Passed away at his residence doing what he enjoyed, working and being outdoors, on December 1, 2023, at the age of 82. Beloved husband of the late Ruby (Tremblay) Ford (2014). Loving father of the late Cheryl Legault (Phil), Kathy Whitfield (Steve) of Grand Bend, and Carolyn (Randy) Parker of Hensall. Loved grandfather of Corey, Tiffany, Tyler, Trevor, Bryan (Michelle), Brett, Brittany (Paulus), and great-grandfather of Mace, Hayden, Alexander and Sophia.
A private graveside service for Wayne and Ruby will be held at a later date at the Exeter Cemetery. Haskett Funeral Home, EXETER entrusted with arrangements.
Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Sheila Markle
We just learned of Wayne’s passing. We own property around the corner and in the years since his wife passed he would often stop by to chat, inquire about machinery and catch up with my husband. He was so friendly and we enjoyed our conversations with him. Our condolences to your family. Sheila (Eisenschink) and Ed Markle
Sharon Pavkeje
My thoughts are with your family. It was a pleasure to work with Wayne.
Kate Monk
Sincere condolences to you at this sad time. Wayne was such a wonderful man to work with. I remember taking photos of Wayne back in the 1980s and 90s at some of the erosion control projects along the Ausable and Bayfield rivers. Wayne was so smooth with the controls of the backhoe that he could pet a cat. And he has left a legacy of the thousands of trees he planted.
Doug Hocking
Wayne’s ABCA workshop always seemed a safe haven. We were always certain the equipment would be well looked after – which was looking after the rest of us, too. Miss discussing the foibles and idiosyncrasies of tools and oddball things, and the cheery smile that was always there…
Dave Broom
Kathy and Carolyn.
Sad to find Dad has passed.
A true shock.
Known Wayne all my life. Always a great guy.
Wish you all the best to your families@
Gary and Louise Heywood.
Sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing condolences to all the family
Charlie Greenhill
Condolences to Wayne’s family and friends. This world needs more like him. RIP Wayne
Tony & Ruth Ann Drinkwalter
Sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. I worked with Wayne for several years and found him very easy to work with. He had a calm and quiet demeanor, and his work was always done to an above average quality.
Janet Traquair
Carolyn, Randy & Family,
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Thinking of you all, sending our deepest sympathies.
Janet, Doug & Emily
Clare & Brenda (Parsons) Martene & Family
Cousins: Kathy, Carolyn & Families . . .
My heart is saddened by the loss of Uncle Wayne (Uncle Jim as I always called him). I am the oldest daughter of the late Jack & Marion Parsons (Wayne was my mom’s brother). Our family lived next door to him & his family for a great portion of my younger years & right up till my parents passed. Uncle Jim was a very quiet, soft spoken, thoughtful, honest & hard-working man. He enjoyed living at his home in the country & it was there that he passed doing the things he loved the best. Working & loving the outdoors was a big part of his life with the many positions he held in his career. He had a passion for regularly attending almost every auction or yard sale in the area looking for great deals, bargains, & prize possessions. He was such an amazing mechanic – tinkering & fixing just about anything his hands could work on. He was so skilled at fixing up older bicycles, lawnmowers, tractors, & vehicles which he loved trying to sell at the end of his driveway. He honestly had the knack of selling just about anything, but I truly believe it was more to visit & carry on a conversation with the people who stopped to either look at or purchase his many treasures. Uncle Jim’s devoted love of all his family & those he held dear will forever live on in your hearts as precious memories & his legacy will live on in all of you . . .
Words, however kind, can’t mend your heartache, but those who care & share your loss wish you comfort, solace & peace of mind. May you find strength in the love of family & in the warm embrace of friends.
I wish, along with my family to extend our sincerest condolences, thoughts & prayers to you all at this very heartbreaking time. 🙏🏻❤️ Rest in Peace Uncle Jim. 💞🙏💞
Love, Cousin Brenda (Parsons) & Clare Martene, (Crediton, ON) ❤️
Tom and Bev Prout
To all of Wayne’s family our sincere condolences. Top notch guy!
Mari Veliz
My deepest condolences to Wayne’s family. I worked with Wayne for ten years. He was hard-working, a master with machines and cared very deeply about people. He demonstrated his care by keeping the vehicle fleet in top condition. When he worked hard at keeping the vehicles in the best condition, we worked hard to do the same. This all helped to keep us safe. I am so grateful for how his gentle manner influenced our work at Ausable Bayfield. Take Care,
Ausable Bayfield Conservation
To the Ford Family:
We were very sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. In his 30 years at the ABCA, Wayne made a lasting impact on those of us privileged to have worked with him, and on the entire watershed community. He will be missed. Our sincere condolences to you at this time.
Brenda Hern
Carolyn and Randy, Brittany and Paul and the entire Ford family- my condolences to you all – very sorry to hear of your loss – Hugs Brenda
Wayne and Sonia Greb
To Wayne’s Family
Sending our condolences to you at this difficult time.
John Schwindt
John remembers Wayne from his years at the ABCA…enjoyed working with him…an honest, hard-working guy…
Kathy Hayter
My thoughts and prayers are with all the family of Wayne.Keep all your fun,loving memories close to your heart
Helen Coolman
Our condolences to the family. Leon and I were neighbours to Wayne and Ruby for many years. After Ruby passed we seen Wayne outside and quite often spoke with him and he would set up bicycles etc. for sale when we had a yard sale. He was such a nice gentle man. Easy to talk to and very friendly. He just loved buying and selling. He will be missed by many.
Linda & Jerry Traquair
We were neighbours back in the day, when Ruby & Wayne and their sweet wee girls, lived at the north end of Brock St., Hensall. Sincere condolences on your great loss.
Dave Frayne and Cathy Cade
To Kathy, Carolyn and families:
So sorry to learn of Wayne’s passing.
Many good memories of him and Ruby. I look out our windows to the west and see the many trees he planted for us.
Trudy Hodgins
Carolyn and family.
My condolences on the loss of your father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Wishing you comfort in the days ahead.
Take care,
Trudy
Matt Den Hollander
My sincere condolences to the family. Wayne was my neighbour and my kids and I have fond memories of him. We often saw him working outside and enjoyed our conversations with him. My prayers go out to the family.
Matt, Olivia, Landon, Layla and Lily Den Hollander.
Corbett Elaine
My deepest condolences to Carolyn and family in the loss of your dad, grandfather. Cherish your memories to help you. He was a nice man.
Linda Webber
To Wayne’s family:
Please accept my condolences on the passing of your Dad, Father. My husband Eugene went to school with Wayne ( or not) Every time they crossed the bridge on the Second or Airport Line as it is called now, They would decide if they where going to school or fishing in the river for the day. They lived on Highway 83 for most of their lives. Eugene and Wayne will now be deciding what trouble they can get into now. RIP Wayne
Doug Courtney
Wayne worked for our company…Casual Industries for many years, he was a true gentleman, a hard worker, and a master with equipment. His services will be truly missed. Doug, Dean, & Darin.
Paul & Lori Parsons
Carolyn and Randy and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Doreen Jones
Carolyn,Randy and family
So sorry for your loss. Still remember working with Ruby at the Villa.
mitchellwebster
uncle jim was the most kind caring man he always had time to chat and boy did he know his stuff about bikes i am gonna miss his smiling face rip uncle Jim love Mitchell Rubys great nephew
Alma & Tony Dayman
Carolyn & family
So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Keeping you in our thoughts & prayers.
Cindy Taylor and Chris Scoyne
Dear Randy and Carolyn we send our sincere condolences at this time of the passing of Carolyn’s Dad, Wayne. We know how much your Dad loved the out doors and he will be sadly missed by all his family.