Obituary of Wayne Douglas Whitaker

August 1, 1943 – Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan

July 17, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Wayne Whitaker beloved husband of Gail Lynne Whitaker (nee Wells) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Monday, July 17, 2023, at the age of 79 years.

Wayne was born in Moose Jaw, SK, on August 1, 1943. After which he moved to Calgary, AB, and settled in Manning, AB.

Wayne worked as a railway brakeman, City of Calgary fire fighter, business owner, as well as various other jobs before graduating from Olds College with a diploma in Agriculture, leading to a successful farming career. He enjoyed quiet hours out in the fields, playing, and coaching hockey, and talking politics.

To truly know Wayne, you needed to spend time with him in his element. Wayne accomplished much through his life and was particularly proud of his family. Wayne married Gail Wells in 1970 and was rarely seen without a child in tow for several decades after that. He was always there to provide advice, coaching, and the occasional inappropriate poem. He had a zest for life and travelled to many exotic places with his family. Wayne was often found singing a jingle, telling a joke, or smirking about one he was about to tell. He was a masterful storyteller, and he had many experiences to draw on from his childhood antics, and adventures with his friends, and family.

Wayne lived life on his terms and will be most remembered for his tenacity, integrity, and at times stubborn determination.

Besides his loving wife Gail, Wayne is survived by his two daughters Cindy Whitaker, and Kim Durnford; two sons Doug Whitaker (Gayane), and Cleave Whitaker (Jaclyn); seven grandchildren Kara, Eva, Cole, Ben, Kinley, Monte, Brekken.

Wayne is also survived by his brother-in-law Bob Wells and sister-in-law Anne Wells; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Wayne was predeceased by his parents Doug and Ruth Whitaker

In living memory of Wayne Whitaker, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.