Wayne Stickel

It is with sadness we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved father, husband, brother, and Grandfather, Wilbur Wayne Stickel, on September 14, 2023.  Born in Lethbridge, Alberta on May 17, 1953 to Vi and Wilbur, Wayne grew up excelling in both sports and school.  Upon graduation from Vauxhall High School, Wayne moved to Shawnessy to help his father run the local bar, eventually moving back to Vauxhall to manage the water treatment plant and maintain the town for the next 23 years.  Outside of work, Wayne was often found behind the grill (barbecuing the best steak you’ve ever had), in the hack (skipping his curling team to victory at the Vauxhall Curling Club), and on the links, where his finesse on the green was buttressed by a cold brew (always Rainier) with friends. He particularly looked forward to the Vauxhall Men's Scramble and the Stickel Classic, which invariably resulted in too many laughs and lost balls to count.  He was fortunate enough to marry twice, spending over 30 years with the love of his life, curling partner and golf “caddy” (who somehow always gave him a run for his money), Jan.  During this time, Wayne also pursued his love of fishing, camping, and making a mean breakfast on Sunday - the perfect time to serenade us with his rendition of “Life in the Fast Lane” by The Eagles.

Wayne’s early skills as a budding barback under the auspices of his Dad proved prudent later in his life, when he returned to the family biz as co-owner and bartender of the Lomond bar.  Whether with friends in the great outdoors or across the bar top, Wayne was impeccable in his ability to listen (even if hard of hearing) and offer sage consolation, always managing to somehow offer advice inconspicuously – unless, of course, you were rooting for any team other than the Montreal Canadians, New Orleans Saints, Toronto Blue Jays, or Winnipeg Blue Bombers.  Wayne’s friends knew better than to interfere when the game was on, as Wayne could often be found in his favourite team sweater, pacing back and forth, worrying incessantly. 

A softspoken man with an immense heart, Wayne will be lovingly remembered by Jan; his children, Ryan (Marlena), Cody (Amanda), and Tami (Mike); his siblings, Sandra (Brian) and Lorne (Kim); grandchildren, Eveleigh, Andersen, Cooper, Samantha, Zachary, and Emma; many nieces and nephews, friends near and far, and their families.

Wayne’s family wishes to thank everyone who offered support, came to visit, and shared many happy stories these last few days. As many of you know, Wayne was not one for formality or grandeur, and thus a casual gathering to celebrate his life will take place at the Lomond Seniors Centre on Saturday, September 23, 2023 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm.  In lieu of flowers, please come with your fondest memories to share.  Should you be called to do so, donations in Wayne’s memory can be extended to any of the charities dear to him and his family, including the Canadian Lung Association, the National Campaign for Better Hearing, and the Canadian Down Syndrome Society. 

Wayne, we hope they get the Young and the Restless where you are resting now – wouldn’t want you to miss an episode.