CHRISTIE, Wayne

CHRISTIE,Wayne

Wayne Stanley Patrick Christie – Dad – Papa – the man, the myth, the legend… lover of Diet Coke, king of the dad jokes and maker of smiles. We are deeply saddened to announce the sudden and unexpected passing of our Dad. Loved and adored by his children Stephanie (Jeremy) Goertz, Bailey (Dan) Hautzinger, Devon (Matt) Leboldus and Taylor (Chelsea) Christie and his most shining accomplishments his grandchildren;  Coby, Isaiah, Ava, Foster Goertz; Brooklyn and Cohen Hautzinger; Decker, Quinn and Wade Leboldus; Joey, Bennett, Adaline and Theo Christie. Dad also leaves behind their mother, his friend and former wife Joan, his sisters Val, Rhonda, Marlene and Darlene as well as countless nieces, nephews and friends. Dad was predeceased by his parents Stan and Mary Christie. 

Eldest child to Mary and Stan, Dad was born March 24th, 1954 and grew up in the Strathmore area playing hockey and baseball in his spare time. Dad attended Camrose Lutheran College on a hockey scholarship and was a very proud Viking alumni, with his team recently inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame for their 1974/1975 season. Upon completion of his education, Dad returned to the Strathmore area where he continued farming and raised his family. His greatest source of pride and joy were his 13 grandchildren. He was always eager to attend the kid’s hockey, baseball, soccer, dance, skipping, concerts and recitals. While attending his grandchildren’s hockey games at the Strathmore Arena, he was proud to share that he was the first player awarded a penalty in that barn. He will be so deeply and painfully missed as his grandchildren’s biggest cheerleader in the stands. 

Dad also lovingly tended to his garden, often known for starting his seeds far too early in the spring just so he could do it all over again in the coming weeks. Planting funny and unlikely things like watermelon at his grandchildren’s request, and always keeping us updated on its growth status… and always quick to give us all advice on our own gardening endeavours. 

Notorious for his quick wit and humour, Dad was often seen bustling around town engaging in lengthy conversations with friends, neighbours and complete strangers along his path reminiscing the past, dishing out town current events, and solving all the world’s problems… But no fret if you didn’t cross paths with Dad in town, you simply had to tune in to his regular Facebook updates for all the happenings.

A celebration of Dad’s life was held on Tuesday, August 20th at 2:00 pm at the Hope Community Covenant Church followed with a luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, a Memorial Tribute in Dad’s name can be made to the Hope Bridges Society (Box 2496 Strathmore, Alberta T1P 0H3 or www.hopebridges.ca) or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta  (#100, 119 – 14th Street NW Calgary, Alberta T2N 1Z6 or www.heartandstroke.ca)