Peacefully at Jessica’s House, Exeter on Saturday, October 16, 2021 of Exeter and formerly of Parkhill at the age of 79. Beloved husband of the late Grace (Schell) Steeper (2018). Dear father of Ron Steeper of Victoria, B.C., and Jamie and Jennifer Steeper of London. Dear grandfather of Josselyn, and Jackson. Predeceased by infant son Mark, and his parents John and Olive (English) Steeper. Wayne had a passion for aviation and was a lifelong member and co-owner of Sexsmith Airport in Exeter. Wayne will be missed by his 4 legged pal Max. Special thank you to the homecare staff and Jessica’s House for their care and compassion.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial visitation will be held at the Haskett Funeral Home, 370 William Street, EXETER on Thursday, October 21 from 6:30-8:30 PM. Due to Provincial COVID-19 restrictions, each person must RSVP for the visitation, please click “register now” below to register. A private graveside service will be held at the Exeter Cemetery at a later date.
Donations to Jessica’s House 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).
Paul & Susan Horton
So very sorry to read of Wayne’s passing. Also shocked and saddened to see that Grace passed in 2018. A fine couple.
Paul & Susan Horton
Dale Lamport
Ron and Jamie
With deep sadness I read of Wayne’s passing. Thanks Ron for contacting me.
I first met Wayne when working at the Hughes boat plant in centralia.
We both were flying enthusiasts, and his encouragement and help started my eventual career in aviation.
He always kept in touch over the 50+ years we were friends.
Rest In Peace Wayne.
Ken & Sally Palen
Sincere sympathy to Wayne’s family. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Don Hart
Ron ,Jamie ,Jennifer and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I am sure Linda . Wayne and Grace will already be talking old times about things we did over the past years. I still remember Wayne
when Mac V. from Chatham and I were going to Toronto to Trade school we went to a small restaurant to get some
French fries before we went to our place where we stayed and Mac and I could tell that Wayne liked more than
the French fries. That is where Wayne met Grace so now you know the rest of the story
R.I.P. My Friend
Tom Hartai
Ron, Jamie and families.
On behalf of the COPA FLIGHT 177 family, and my own family, I wish to extend our deepest condolences to you
all.
Wayne was such a great promoter of Sexsmith and grass roots aviation.
He was SO PROUD of his boys, not only because they were pilots, but because his 2 sons are great men.
Calm winds and blue skies to you all.
Wayne has departed CSX7 one last time. He will always be fondly remembered by us all.
Tom Hartai
Copa Flight 177 Captain
Mark & Karen Tuckey
Ron, Jamie and family
Our condolences. Fond memories with Wayne flying and Sexsmith projects over the years, large and small.
Doug Hocking and Kate Monk
Dear Ron, Jamie and family:
Our sincere condolences to you at this sad time. It’s difficult to imagine Sexsmith without Wayne (and Max). Wayne was such a wealth of knowledge and good cheer, dedicated to grassroots aviation. The first time we met Wayne and Grace was at the annual Sexsmith corn roast. They were a well-oiled machine with Grace organizing the kitchen and Wayne the visiting aircraft. We are thankful for all they did for the flying community and we will not forget them.
Take care,
Kate & Doug
Bill Podbury and Marian du Toit
Dear Ronnie, Jamie, Jen and family – we are very sorry for your loss.
Wayne was a person of such integrity and, along with “his Grace”, and a love of flying, he was a very long time and tireless supporter of Aviation in the Exeter area.
Cheers to Wayne and Grace, we miss them both.
Willie and Marian
Kim Shred
So sad for the passing of my good friend and neighbour He was a special person to me and my wife. He will be greatly missed. He is back with his wife now whom he greatly loved and missed. Good bye Wayne. We will meet again some day.
Jim and June Demerling
Our sincere condolences to all of the family from a fellow flying enthusiast.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this trying time.
Gary Jennison
Our sincere condolences to Ron, Jamie, Jennifer & family,
We met Wayne & Grace through the Sexsmith Flying Club and enjoyed many fun “wing nights”, New Year’s Eve parties in the hangar, corn roasts and the list goes on. Always a fun couple to be with and we hope it brings you comfort that they are together again. Blue skies and fair winds on your journey, Wayne.
Gary & Beth Jennison
Ron & Sofie Mason
Our sincere condolences to Ron and Jamie and families.So sad to hear. I got to meet Wayne as he was helping my son Jeremy with the building of his Pitts model twelve. He took Jeremy under his wing when working his first job at the canners.After work he would take him flying at times.He was a very special friend to us and I was always amazed at the quality of work he could do with a piece of metal . I am sure they will flying something somewhere.
Rest in peace Wayne great to have known you.
Wayne&Jo-Ann Rowe
Wayne will be remembered for his gracious giving heart. He was in charge of the corn order for the annual Sexsmith corn roast for many years. Early in the season,there was the usual phone call and Wayne was here to oversee pick-up. He was the kind of person who leaves the world a little better place because of his fine character.
Sue Haskett
Bill and I were lucky to meet Wayne though his Sexmith friends. He and Grace were a wonderful couple who always took good care of one another and everyone else. Wayne loved to tell a story, whether it was from growing up, Parkhill favourites or his family which he was so very proud of. Wayne will be an important part of many stories in the community, among his flying firends and his family that will be his own legacy now. We are thinking of you.
Matt Cooper
The Pilot
He was once simply a mortal man
Who liked fixing things with just his hands.
He prepared his boys for rugged life
And cared deeply for his loving wife.
Grandkids and pets; he loved many things.
On top of the world when he had wings.
We’re sad that he’s gone, but do not cry
‘Cuz now he’s a legend in the sky.
Rest Peacefully Wayne
Elaine Corbett
Deepest sympathy to Wayne’s family. Enjoyed dealing with Wayne. He was a sincere person and liked to visit. He missed Grace, but now they are together again. Cherish your memories to help you through this difficult time.
Anna Eagleson
To Ron and Jamie: Your father and mother were wonderful neighbours when they lived next door to us, south of Corbertt. Great memories. Please accept my condolences.
Wayne and Fran Prance
Our condolences to Ron Jamie and family .Wayne will be sadly missed. Especially the daily visits at the airport and our friendly chats. Over the past years we had some good times that will always be remembered. May he be at peace now.
Allan & Dorothy Spiegelberg
Ron, Jamie, Jennifer and children
-Sad to hear of your father’s passing. We spent many a Christmas Eve with both your parents. Now he is reunited with Grace. Our thoughts are with you during this time of sorrow.
Robert and Barbara Smith
We will miss our friend and neighbor .
Natalie
Ron, my other brother, I am so sorry for you to have lost your Father, please feel the love that Mom & myself are sending your way 💜
I am happy to hear that you went to be near him on his last days. That must have meant so much to you both.
The notes & stories here from your family & friends show just how loved & enjoyed your Dad has been. Hugs to everyone,
Much love,
Natalie & Donalda Simon
Don and Edith Lewis and family
Ron and Jamie and family ,
We are sorry that your Dad and grandfather has passed away.
We enjoyed many conversations with Wayne over the years mostly flying.
He was a great guy and will be missed, always willing to help.
Fly high Wayne.
Jeanette Hodgins
My sincere sympathy to all the family. As a former neighbour of Wayne and Grace when they lived near Corbett, I always enjoyed our connections. May your memories ease the passing of Wayne.
Easy Building Products Ltd.
Dear: Ron,: Jamie, Jennifer, Josselyn, Jackson and of course Max
Please accept our deepest sympathy on the passing of your Dad & Grandpa. We enjoyed many visits from Wayne and Max over the years here at the plant. He would beam with pride talking about you all. We had the pleasure of working with Wayne (and Grace) at Sexsmith with the Young Eagles, which he enjoyed watching the kids experience the thrill of flying which he loved so much. He will be missed.
The staff at Easy Building Products
Clare Gilbert
My condolences on you loss. I knew Wayne, having grown up in the Parkhill area and worked with him at Hughes Boats. We road to work together and had some great conversations during those trips. He will be missed by his family and friends. RIP Wayne.
George and Sue Wilson
Ron, Jamie and Jennifer and family, we are sorry for your loss. I worked with Wayne at the Canning Factory many years ago. Remember your wonderful memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers. George and Sue Wilson
Kathy Kirk
Heartfelt condolences to Wayne’s family.. I will miss our weekly phone chats.. Know that he is happy being with Grace, once again.. Take care and know he is at peace..
Bill VERELLEN
Our deepest sympathies to Wayne’s family, he will truely be missed,
Flying friends ,
Cheryl & Bill Verellen
Joanne Stephen
Sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing, knew him from the Nabisco days. Have a great flight Wayne
John and Anne Beimers
Sincere condolences to Ron and Jamie and family of Wayne’s passing and our thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow.
I had the great privilege of working with Wayne in putting on Young Eagle programs at both Sexsmith airport and Gorebay Manitoulin airport, and as well helping with Wayne at the Snowbird Air Show at Gorebay.
As well had great times together in 5 day boat trips in Northern Ont. and several day business trips.
It was always a pleasure to visit Wayne and am left with wonderful memories
Karen Shred
Although we have only known Wayne and his Grace for the last 4 years. He was a the most wonderful neighbor, we will miss him deeply.
Kim and Karen Shred
Rick and Doreen Gaiser and Family
Cherish all your memories. We have so many memories of your Family spending time with our family – Christmas together, etc. Your Mom and Dad are back together again watching over your families. I remember growing up Grace living with us and Wayne coming to pick her up for their dates and spending time with the Willis/Kirk families. So sorry for your loss💕
Marilyn Ruth
What to say about Wayne- well he was a true friend, a trusted friend and an honest and loyal friend. His love of flying was always front and centre and Sexsmith was one of his favourite places. My husband, Don, always said you could trust Wayne and count on him for anything. I think that says a lot right there!! I will miss Wayne very much. We helped each other on those days when only one that has experienced a deep loss can understand. Wayne and Grace together were what Sexsmith is all about Sharing and caring. I have lost a wonderful person in my life as have the boys and their families. Wayne was so proud of Ron and Jamie and loved his grandchildren so much. We must move on, But, don’t forget his sincerity and unconditional friendship that he extended to those that were close to him. He was just THE BEST friend ever! Fly high!
Bob and Helen Coates
Our sincere sympathy to Ron, Jamie and Jennifer and family. Bob always admired Wayne’s work ethic on the occasions they worked together at Nabisco. It was a pleasure to visit with Wayne.
Willi and Waynne Charlton
Sad to get this news. Sincere synpathy to Ron and Jamie and family.
Being a previous member of Sexsmith; Wayne and I spent quite a bit of time together, until I stepped away in 2010. We got the water turned on spring and fall, including in Leonard’s old house. Thanks to Easy Building Products, Metal kept appearing at Sexsmith and I think Wayne put all of in on the clubhouse . I helped him on a good part of it, but not all. Wayne was an easy guy to like and we shared many flying tales. Belated credit is also due to Grace, who helped with so many meals over the years. Since 2018 Exeter area has lost a wonderful couple.
Graham & Maxine Truemner
So sad to hear of his passing, our heartfelt condolences to the steeper family.
Graham & Maxine Truemner
Wanda Reynolds
Wayne’s Family.
Sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Our thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow. I played golf with Grace and became a friend with Wayne when cutting his toe nails. We had many good conversations.
Bob & Wanda Reynolds
Dave Frayne and Cathy Cade
Ron, Jamie, Jennifer, family and friends:
Sorry to learn of Wayne’s passing, we knew it was coming, but too soon. He and Grace are reunited, may your memories bring you comfort in the future.
I have many great memories of Wayne at Sexsmith and his former work at Nabisco. Glad he had a flight in the Found aircraft, that he probably helped build
Evelyn Vincent
Sincere sympathy to Wayne’s family. He missed his “Grace” so much. He was always a friendly man and ready to chat