Obituary of Wayne Francis Sorge

June 4, 1946 - Calgary, Alberta

November 28, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

Wayne Sorge beloved husband of Lorraine (Kettles, nee Anderson) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Sunday, November 28, 2021 at the age of 75 years.

Wayne born in Calgary, was the first child of Francis and Norma Sorge. He was a true celebration of life after Francis returned home from WWII. And from the start, he was aptly named the “Corker” by his mother! The young Sorge couple returned to their birthplace of Pincher Creek, AB to raise their eventual growing brood of two sons and a daughter.

Raised in a small town, rural supportive multigenerational Roman Catholic family, the “Corker” enjoyed life to the fullest. With multiple cousins and friends as classmates, Wayne often felt that learning played a second roll to the socializing. He often stated that if it were not for his mother Norma, his high school English teacher Mrs. Haugen or Sister Luciana, he would not have learned to love reading, enjoying proper English, or becoming adept at dodging a flying blackboard brush!  None the less, his academic past took him to St. Anthony’s College in Edmonton (to see if priest-hood would be his future). It was not (liked girls too much)! He graduated from St. Michael’s High School in Pincher Creek and then tried Drafting at Lethbridge Junior College. Not that either! Finally, his first and only love “flying” became his driving passion. With his dad Francis as his hero and teacher Wayne developed the skills and expertise over a number of years which took him from a private pilot to a professional commercial pilot. Wayne grew his expertise as a pilot having started at the loading ramp for Shell Aviation. He eventually certified and flew a number of different aircrafts.  This included crop spraying, Jet and Helicopter. He worked for a number of companies over his 50 years of being a pilot including Nova Pipelines, TransCanada Pipelines and Canadian Helicopters.  He loved his chosen career and felt it was a privilege to fly his customers, not a job.  Wayne will be remembered for his kindness, generosity and big heart, always ready to help friends, family and strangers.  During his brief illness, Wayne was surrounded by a loving village of family, friends, and acquaintances.   Wayne, for those that knew him always had a smile on his face, a warm laugh and a strong work ethic. He was known for his unwavering sense of faith and always looking for the best in people.

Wayne is survived by his wife Lorraine, daughter Giselle Sorge (David Morrison), son Shane Sorge (Loren’ Dermody), stepdaughter Stacey Kettles, stepson Kyle Kettles, loving brother Bruce (Marg) Sorge, loving sister Virginia (Bob) Erlandson; grandchildren. Tye and Maxum Kettles, Ryan and Justin Kettles; nieces and nephews, Monica Stevenson and sons, Teagan, Gabe and Nolan, Jolane Sorge (Jonah Renford) and Gus; Jillian Acton (Wilson) and children, Oliver and Charlotte, David Erlandson (Lacey Aucoin).  He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Linda Evans and children, Scott Evans (Kirsten), Jordan Evans and children, Jaxon, Jayda and Jarett and Amanda Evans; Sharon Mortell (Jon) and daughter Kristi Mortell- LeBlanc (Joel), son Cheyne Mortell (Mikaela); Cathy Sorge (Danny), daughter Alana, and son Jayden; brothers-in-law, Alan Anderson and daughters Bobbi, Lacey and son Bryon; brother-in-law Brian Anderson and daughters, Amy, Amanda and Laikynn. Wayne is also survived by several special aunts and uncles as well as many wonderful cousins and friends.

Wayne’s parents Francis and Norma Sorge as well as his first loving wife Connie Sorge (nee Chalmers) had preceded him in his present journey to our Lord.  Wayne will rest now.

As per Wayne’s wishes no formal services will be held. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed here. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, Provincial Office, Sun Life Place, 710, 10123 – 99th Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 3H1 Telephone: 1(866) 412-4222 or to the Nanton Air Museum, www.bombercommandmuseum.ca.

Our sincere thanks go to the many professional and private people who helped Wayne and Lorraine during our present journey. Palliative nurse Terry, Dr E Doumalin SHC, Dr D. Hoa TBCC, Dr Dharma Palliative Pain, Dr N Romatowski FMC and their many team members and nursing staff. Also, the physicians and staff at Skye Point Hospice and Fathers Andrew and D’Souze.

In living memory of Wayne Sorge, a tree will be planted in the Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.