Wayne Robert Jackson

It is with profound sadness that we announce that our dear Wayne has left us.  He passed away peacefully on December 28, 2022, with his family at his side.

Wayne was predeceased by his father Robert (Bob) (1978), as well as his grandparents and many aunts and uncles.  He is survived by his loving mother Adeline, his devoted brother and best friend Tom, sister-in-law Denise, very special aunties, Alice, Shirley and Catherine and dearest cousin Hope.  Also surviving Wayne are his extended family Tara and Dwayne Sydor, their children Emily and Jessica, Travis and Kerri Davidson, Darcy Davidson along with many other family members and friends too numerous to mention.  

Wayne was born on March 24, 1960, in Russell, Manitoba.  He attended school in Russell where he fondly remembered being taught by Mrs. Ivy and Mrs. Keating.  Wayne eventually moved to Neepawa, Manitoba where he spent many happy years being involved in the community.  He lived in his own apartment but was always under the close care of his amazing workers.  Touchwood Park was a place that Wayne enjoyed attending to do crafts, socialize with friends and play bingo.  He loved bowling and was very skilled at it. He enjoyed working at the local Chicken Delight as a dishwasher.  He had the good fortune of attending some fun excursions to Winnipeg with his friends.  Some other highlights of Wayne's fun adventures included going to major league baseball games, a trip to Disneyland, San Diego and Niagara Falls to mention a few.

In 1983 Wayne took part in the Special Olympics.  He participated in the weightlifting, snowshoeing and bowling events.  It was at this time that he received the Governor General's Award for "Courage, Determination and Sportsmanship", something his mother, brother and family were very proud of.  During this time, Wayne was mentioned in an article and interviewed by the Winnipeg Free Press for his amazing accomplishment of receiving the Gold Medal in the weightlifting event.

Wayne was a huge movie buff, and his brother provided him with an enormous selection of movies over the years.  These would always be delivered to him along with a treat from Tim Horton's of hot chocolate and sweet treats.  He had three large shelving units lined with movies.  Wayne would keep his collections in perfect order.  He was meticulous about all things from folding his clothes, to arranging all of his books, puzzles, pens, pencils and we can't forget his Hall's cough candies.  We didn't dare mess around with his perfectly organized things....He would notice.  He always had a kitchen timer on his tv table to remind him about a tv program or to take his medication.  He had a system and it worked very well for him.

Another passion of Wayne's was sports, particularly hockey.  He kept detailed notes on the game schedules and scores.  Over the years, his brother Tom gifted Wayne with dozens of hockey jerseys.  He was very proud of this collection and took very good care of these treasures. Wayne would always put on a jersey associated with the game of the night.  He had a fun routine of inviting over his best pal Lenny to enjoy the hockey game and a pizza.  Wayne was a gracious host when he had a friend or two over.  He would walk to the local grocery store to stock up on snacks and soda to share with his guests.

Wayne was very independent until, in the last ten years, his health became a burden that kept him from doing many of the things he enjoyed.  However, he always managed to smile, crack little jokes, and play games while visiting in Russell.  Adeline and Wayne enjoyed playing checkers and Kinsmen bingo.  Adeline waited on Wayne hand and foot (no wonder he loved those weekend visits to Mom's house). He, Tom, Adeline, and Denise had many fun games of trouble, I think the button finally wore out.  He enjoyed doing word book games and watching retro tv.   He lived a good life and was always surrounded by lots of love.

We will miss all of your funny and quirky sayings ("I'm thinking of TWO words........Fan-Tastic").  We will miss your laugh, and your sweet, genuine, gentle, loving, and generous ways.  

To say that Wayne was "one of a kind" would be an understatement.  He was an enormously positive and loving presence in the lives of his family and so many people in his community.  

There are so many people we would like to thank for the years of loving care and friendship you provided to Wayne.  You know who you are, and we appreciate you all very much.

Wayne suffered a great deal, but he dealt with his pain with strength and dignity.

No more pain.  Go fly high sweet Wayne and join all those that have gone before you.  We will miss you forever and always. We'll meet again.

God has gained an angel.