Wayne Blaikie

Well I always envisioned Dad’s dream job as a pilot flying for Braniff Airlines back in the ‘70s. If heaven works the way I believe it does, he’ll now get that chance.
 
Wayne Drummond Blaikie took his last breath at home with daughter Lauren and son-in-law Lou at his side. Although expected, his passing was sudden, peaceful and painless. It was such a privilege to be there for him at the end.
 
Dad was born on July 30th, 1941 at the Port Arthur General Hospital to Gordon and Iris (Turk) Blaikie. He and his brother Lorne grew up in O’Connor Township and attended local rural schools in the area. Surrounded by music from a young age Dad went on to play guitar at the Kakabeka Legion with Gordon Blaikie and the Legionnaires at their Saturday night dances for many years. My sister Leanne and I were too young to attend, but I sometimes think the happenings before and after the dances were the real entertainment.
 
Mom, Lorna Landmesser, and Dad met on a blind date in the early ‘60s. They married in January of ’62 and settled in O’Connor Township where they would remain for all of their 56 years of marriage. Mom passed away in February of 2018.
 
Dad for many, many years worked for the Thunder Bay Grain Trimmers. However, all things must come to an end, and the winds blow harsh on the waterfront, so at age 59 he decided retirement was in the cards.
 
Without a doubt Dad’s main passion in life was flying. Through the years he and Mom flew all over North America as part of the Cessna 180 Club they belonged to. They forged many friendships and enjoyed countless adventures. After his retirement Dad decided he wanted to build himself an airplane. He sold the Cessna and embarked on a two year journey, in his garage, building himself a Vans RV-9A. He took what was to become his last flight in that plane June of this year.
 
Dad leaves behind two daughters, Lauren Richard (Lou) and Leanne Parker, Arlington, Texas. He also leaves behind a much loved grandson, Carson Richard, (Katie), two great grandchildren, Clara-Rose Richard and Cohen Richard and a beloved brother, Lorne Blaikie. Also leaving behind sisters-in-law Nancy Kos (Con), Lisa Fodchuk, Carol Landmesser and brother-in-law Bill Fodchuk. There are cousins, nieces, and nephews too numerous to mention, but you know who you are. And always in Dad’s heart and his thoughts Grady Parker and Joshua Walker Jr.
 
As per Dad’s wishes there will be no funeral. A small private memorial will be held at a later date.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com