On a cold November evening, in his 78th year, our gentle, earthy mountain man, slipped quietly into eternity, his soul’s journey warmed by the love of his many, many, loyal friends, caregivers, and wife, Kathryn.

Wayne was predeceased by his son Garth (2018) and Grandson, Tyler (2013).

Wayne was born in Creston BC where he was raised along with his brother Gary. From an early age, it was clear that Wayne loved, nature and all animals both wild and domestic. As a kid, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, horseback riding and working around the small family farm. It became clear early on that he had a gift for engine mechanics and a fascination for all types of machinery. Soon after graduation from high school Wayne moved to Kamloops where, married and soon after welcomed the birth of his son Garth in 1970, followed two years later by the arrival of his daughter Deanna.

In his early twenties, Wayne went to the States where he enrolled in aviation mechanic training school and completed a diploma that earned him the designation of airplane mechanic. As such, he was responsible for all aspects of airplane engine maintenance, certification and repair. Eventually, He was hired as base manager for Con Air Aviation in Abbotsford BC. In the late seventies, he traveled to Easten Canada, where he worked as a pilot and aviation mechanic on a Spruce Bud Worm eradication spraying Crew. It was during this period, that he, and other members of the crew, became exposed to the chemicals that were part of the spray used to kill the Spruce Bud worm and where soon after, he developed the chronic and debilitating disease that would slowly destroy his lungs.

After leaving aviation, Wayne moved to the Kootenays, and began to run Silent Mountain Outfitters, where he owned and operated his own guiding company for roughly twenty years.

As a young man, Wayne was gifted with a superhuman work ethic, and immense physical strength, a combined gift that serve him well in his chosen fields. While, at first glance he may have appeared the classic, stoic, rough woodsman, most folks soon leaned he was a creature of deep feeling and deep love for all that mattered to him. The love and care of his animals took first place in his world. As an outfitter, he would see to his horses needs well ahead of any paying customers. Many a hunter was forced to wait until after the horses were, properly cared for before they got any supper. Wayne was a great protector of the, young and vulnerable, whether they be human or animal. If there was a new baby in the room, it would not be long before Wayne was holding the baby and instructing the new parents on proper infant care.

A consummate backseat driver, more than one close friend has reflected on how much their driving had improved under Wayne’s careful tutelage.

Wayne was a rare, enigmatic force of nature and child of the earth. Those who were blessed to be part of his world are certain he is now with his son, father and grandson, sharing a good whiskey and catching up on family gossip. Those who wish to honour Wayne are encouraged to adopt a needy animal, spend time with a lonely senior, or if you wish, make a donation to the

Heart and Lung Foundation or SPCA.

We wish to thank, Dr. Dustan Post, Dr. Wick, Dr. Lenz (retired), Suzie, Teena, (Palliative care team) and Stacy and Jocylyn (from Kootenay Street Village) for their outstanding and compassion care over this long rough road.

Finally, we extend our deepest love to our amazing, loyal and devoted friends who traveled this path with us.

We Love you Wayne Bear!

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