J Wayne Smook

It is with profound sadness we announce the sudden passing of Wayne on Sunday, July 7, 2024, at the age of 65.

Wayne will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 43 years Paulette; son, Blair (Shelby) and his precious princess granddaughters, Stella and Bria.

He leaves behind his mother, Mildred; brothers, Dennis (Gwen), Brian (Jennifer); sister, Wendy (Michael); and sister-in-law, Elsie; brothers-in-law, Terry (Janet), Kim (Brenda), Brent (Mary-Ann), Lyle, Dale; sister-in-law, Karla (Gary) and Darlene as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and good friends. Wayne was predeceased by father, Steve; brother, Larry; and niece, Tammy.

Affectionately known as Gauge, Wayne followed his love for flight by securing his private pilots license at 16. He then attended the University of North Dakota Centre for aerospace studies in Grand Forks, ND completing a Bachlor of Science Business Administration majoring in Airport Administration. While at UND, he was the founder of the student Aviation Management Association that still exists today. From there, he started his career at Transport Canada in 1979, then with Winnipeg International Airport where he held many different titles.

Moving to Calgary, Alberta  in 1990, Wayne began his long career in aviation management with the Calgary Airport Authority from 1990-2008 where he went on to become the Senior Director, Airside Operations and Environment. During this time, he attended the Banff School of Advanced Management, was on the board of directors for the Canadian Airport Council and helped direct many other aviation councils. He then ventured out on his own in 2009 by establishing JWS Airport Consulting Services which led to his final position of COO/VP Airport services with Executive Flight Centre in 2011 before retiring in 2015. His career gave him the opportunity to travel the world to many different countries.

Wayne was very dedicated, accepting the challenges of bettering companies he worked for. He was a man of honesty, a great listener, problem solver, calm, cool and organized.

Wayne had a great love for family. He was a dedicated father coaching Blair in baseball and hockey for many years. Every weekend traveling to hockey tournaments all over Alberta. Always making sure to impart Blair with words of wisdom. He also loved to treat Paulette with flowers on many occasions, to the point of becoming the florist’s best customer. His greatest pride were his two granddaughters. He loved to babysit, play and spoil them.

Wayne enjoyed many sports including golf, fastball, hardball, hockey and curling. If not playing, he would be watching them on TV.

Once retired, Wayne enjoyed spending the winters in Arizona, golfing, site seeing and making many new friends.

Special thanks to the Doctors and Nurses at the Mona Libin unit at the Foothills hospital for your excellent care and compassion.

Celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, you are welcome to donate to the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Calgary.

We love you always and forever. You will be forever in our hearts.