WAYNE ALEXANDER SMITH

It is with deep sadness we announce the tragic passing of Wayne Alexander Smith on Friday, August 23, 2019 at the age of 63 years. Wayne leaves behind his heart-broken wife and best friend Bonnie (Oickle). He will be sadly missed by his cherished and adored children Kristine (husband Jeff Savoy), Jason, Scott, Kaylin (Zach Hartin) and step-son Erik Koskela (Kassandra Seetho). He is also survived by siblings Pam (Roland) Lauzon, Pat (Bob) Taylor, Sharon (Wayne) Hood, Randy (Janet) and Dru. Predeceased by parents Al and Mary and brother Ricky. Wayne was also a respected son-in-law, brother-in-law and uncle to the Oickle family. He will be missed by many nieces and nephews, especially the Stradiotto boys and Green children who always held a special place in his heart. Wayne joined the Canadian Armed Forces just before his 18th birthday as a Weapons Technician. His adventurous spirit quickly drew him to a new challenge. Wayne became the 274th Canadian of only 649 elite pararescuemen to graduate to date since 1944. The brave men and women of the Canadian Forces Search and Rescue Technician occupation parachute and hoist from aircraft bringing medical aid to those in perilous situations. SAR Techs are called to standby across the country 24 hours a day, ready to risk their lives rescuing victims of disaster. After leaving the Air Force Wayne served more than two decades as a police constable, mostly as a member of the Underwater Search and Recovery Unit. During his career, Wayne earned many awards and commendations including the Governor General's Medal of Bravery, the Ontario Medal of Police Bravery, Exemplary Service Medal as well as special recognition from the Mattagami First Nation. Wayne was a generous, humble, relentless crusader at heart, always on a quest for truth, honour and integrity while protecting the rights of others. He was NEVER afraid to stand up for what he believed to be right regardless of what judgement, criticism or persecution he may face. Wayne lived a full, adventurous life. He often told Bonnie that if his time on earth came to an end, he was ready to go knowing he had accomplished and achieved more than he ever could have imagined. He yearned for only one more experience in life - to one day be called Grandpa. Wayne grew up in Windsor, ON with a tight knit group of friends. He shared many cherished memories of "The Shed Gang" and hanging out at the pump house. Hopefully Wayne has already crossed paths with Ron where they will reminisce and laugh in the most joyful and contagious way. Of course Wayne's beloved Kramer will be snoring at his feet, trying to digest the copious amounts of peanut butter cookies, York peppermint patties and billot logs that Wayne simply could not resist sharing with him. At Wayne's request there will be no visitation, no service. His wishes were that we all grieve privately in our own way for a short time only, and when ready, gather to celebrate the good times, sharing stories and laughter as Wayne most liked to do. Anyone wishing to attend a celebration of life in Wayne's honour at a later date, please let Bonnie know. Messages of condolence may be sent to waybonsmith@hotmail.com or mailed to: Mrs. Bonnie Smith 307C-965 O'Neil Drive West Garson, ON P3L 0A5 All who knew Wayne knew of his deep passion for animals of all kinds. Feeding critters was one of his favourite pastimes. In keeping with Wayne's love, especially for dogs, a GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds to help those in need suffering with PTSD acquire, train and maintain the veterinary health of these loyal friends who provide life saving support and companionship. Donations may be made by accessing the GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/wayne-smith-ptsd-dog-support-fundraiser?teamInvite=kLgrqcUHvVruB1Kdx3rTRjws7JwfOIlO3oWxTPA1AMCW2gMRj0Rb9E8XMmnTrlUV or by mailing a cheque (made payable to The Pararescue Association) to: The Pararescue Association Box 3816 Courtenay, BC V9C 1B9 Bonnie would like to extend special thanks to Detective Constable Paul Hywarren, the only police officer to loyally support and defend Wayne through both the good times and the more difficult, challenging times. Thank you also to Dr.Sauve of HSN ICU for his compassionate care during Wayne's final days. Finally, the most sincere and heartfelt gratitude is extended to the SAR Tech community, some of whom have never met Wayne and Bonnie. In only twelve hours, the SAR brothers and sisters demonstrated more understanding and support than ever experienced during Wayne's twenty year excruciating battle with PTSD. RESCUE! The ultimate essence of Wayne's being was about helping people regardless of the toll it may have taken on his personal life. Wayne truly lived by the SAR Tech credo: "That Others May Live". Sweet Dreams Baby. You earned your wings. May your nightmares forever be silenced.

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