Obituary of Edward Wayne Bamber

April 23, 1935 – Edmonton, Alberta

July 19, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Edward Wayne Bamber on Friday, July 19, 2024, at the age of 89 years.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife Violet, his three children, James, Bruce, and Karen; and his four grandchildren, Nicole, Meagan, Finn, and Ryan.

Wayne was born in Edmonton on April 23, 1935, to Sydney and Ivey Bamber but spent his childhood on a farm west of Edmonton. This is where he developed his love of nature. His teenage years were spent in Chilliwack, BC. In high school, he learned to play the clarinet and oboe and played in many bands in that area. He also worked on the local golf course and became a very skilled golfer. At one time, he considered becoming a professional golfer but decided that would be a difficult life.

Wayne returned to Edmonton and enrolled at the University of Alberta as a science major. After four years, he graduated with a degree in geology. He was hired by the California Standard Oil Company and stayed with them for one year. He was sent north to sit on wells in -40-degree temperatures and decided that this was also not the life for him, so he continued his education, pursuing a Ph.D. He applied to several universities and was accepted by Princeton University. Before leaving for Princeton, he met his wife, Violet, who became his companion and support for 66 years. Wayne spent three years at Princeton, earning his Master's and Ph.D. degrees, specializing in Paleontology.

Upon completion of his degrees, an opening came up in the Geological Survey of Canada in Ottawa. Wayne was hired and spent the next 33 years conducting research and writing many scientific papers, at first in Ottawa for six years and then in Calgary. As part of his research, Wayne spent many summers doing field work in northern British Columbia and Alberta using helicopters. He enjoyed this very much and had many interesting stories to tell about the bears he encountered. After retirement, Wayne stayed on as an Emeritus scientist and continued his research for many more years.

Wayne’s major hobby was carving junipers, which he collected on his field trips. He carved beautiful sculptures, which he shared with family and friends. He was also a voracious reader, a silversmith, and an avid gardener.

Wayne lived a long and happy life. He was devoted to his family and his research. He was a great role model for his children and a friend to many. He will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Wayne’s Life for family and friends will be held at a later date.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Wayne’s family here.

In living memory of Edward Bamber, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.