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ALLAN (WAYNE) ROGERS
Born: Apr 13, 1948
Date of Passing: Apr 23, 2020
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ALLAN (WAYNE) ROGERS
April 13, 1948 - April 23, 2020
Wayne is survived by me, Susan Stobart, his daughter Jennifer Rogers, five grandchildren, "mumsie" Irene, and all the Stobart family. He was predeceased by his son Allan in 2002.
It is a cruel time we live in right now with COVID-19 when the person who loved people more than anyone else I know, was denied the ability to have me or anyone else he loved by his side during his last three lucid days. Video chatting is just not the same as being with your loved one in person, to hold their hand and reassure them that everything will be ok. Thankfully, however, I was allowed to be by Wayne's side during his final few hours.
The night we met 29 years ago there was an instant recognition for both of us that our hearts and souls had found a home. That night, he made me laugh - something I hadn't done in a long time - and we continued finding things to laugh about every day right to the end.
Wayne lived a life of service to others. He had a huge capacity to love and give of himself - more so than anyone else I have ever met. It was just part of his DNA that this wonderful man always instinctively knew when someone needed a lift...when someone needed a smile...when someone needed help. And Wayne never missed an opportunity to accommodate the need. He never forgot someone's name - and if you told him something about yourself, he never forgot. No one could work a room like Wayne but still leave you feeling like you were the most important person in the room. He was a man who would not tolerate negativity, would not accept defeat, and never wavered in his optimism and unconditional belief in the goodness of humanity. Wayne did not see the glass as being "half full" - he always saw the glass overflowing.
Wayne graduated from Elmwood High and enjoyed going back to the reunions with his buddy Roy. He followed several career paths during his lifetime including being a counsellor at Stony Mountain Institution, being part of the early years of Main Street Project, and working for the family flower business. Ultimately, however, Wayne's path brought him to his destiny - Variety, the Children's Charity of Manitoba where he started out as a volunteer and ultimately became its Executive Director. This was not a job to Wayne - it was a calling. Imagine being able to dedicate every day to helping children! Whatever a child needed, Wayne seemed to find a way to make it happen. He built relationships with many in Winnipeg's business community, making it impossible for them to not see and feel his passion about "the kids". Wayne was never shy about asking "nicely" for their help but also never forgot to express his gratitude for whatever help they could give. Even after retiring from Variety in 2014, Wayne maintained contact with many of his Variety kids.
Wayne never really fully retired. The day after he left Variety I came home from work and asked him how his day had gone. His reply was "I've ironed six shirts and four pairs of pants and decided retirement is not for me". And so he chose to continue to live his life of service by helping other not-for-profits wherever and however he could. Right up until his passing he proudly sat on the boards of CJNU - Winnipeg's nostalgia radio station and the Reh-Fit Foundation.
After enduring a long but thankfully successful battle with cancer in 2008, Wayne and I decided "tomorrow is promised to nobody" and we started enjoying extensive travel all over the world - mostly with a small group of friends and family who shared our sense of adventure. We created very special memories as well in Jersey (Channel Islands) visiting our special friends there. What fantastic memories to have! I am so glad we had the unexpected opportunity to travel to Tofino last November with two good friends. So much joy and laughter exploring Canada's beautiful west coast...who knew it would be our last big adventure together. And wherever we went in the world, there was no bigger ambassador for Canada and Winnipeg than Wayne! One had only to ask "where are you from" and Wayne would eagerly start educating the person about everything they should know about our beautiful country and city.
For many years we winter vacationed in Mexico but in 2015 decided to start enjoying the month of March in Palm Springs. Returning to the same place each year, we established friendships with the people who shared the same "green space" and it was like "going home" each year. Palm Springs allowed us to enjoy two other passions - golfing and hiking.
What travel taught us is that no matter where you go in the world - no matter what the culture - no matter what the economic opportunities - people are fundamentally all the same and want the same things from life... the dignity of being able to work and support our families and the desire to create a better life for our children.
Wayne loved his music. Although he enjoyed all forms of music, the 1950s and 1960s were his favourite eras and of course, no one could know Wayne without knowing his passion for Elvis. He would have a captive audience every time he shared his Elvis stories - particularly the times he met Elvis - and although I must have heard those stories a million times, they never got old!
As much as many of us feel Wayne's work here on earth wasn't done, apparently there was a bigger plan for him and he's been called to serve elsewhere. No doubt everyone already knows him - and no doubt he is already helping children.
Wayne packed more into a lifetime than might seem possible and should be so very proud of the legacy he leaves behind. For those of us left behind, how can we honour Wayne's memory and ensure his legacy continues? Let's all try to make the world a tiny bit better every day by looking a bit harder for opportunities to be kind to a stranger, smile at someone who looks like the world has passed them by, be there for someone in need.
And let's always remember a few of our favourite "Wayneism's". When someone would ask him how he was - "If I was any better I'd be you." If someone would ask him if he was busy - "Busier than a one armed paper hanger!" And of course "Love you lots. You're the best!"
I will miss you Wayne with all my heart and soul. No one could ever have loved me as much as you did. And you could never have been loved by anyone as much as I loved you. How lucky were we to share 29 years of love, life, and joy together? I had hoped it would be longer but am grateful for what we were given. The colour has gone out of my world right now, but I will do you proud by being positive, not accepting defeat and carrying on your unconditional belief in the goodness of humanity. I will miss handing you Kleenex as you cried during romantic or sad movies. And as in the words of Nat King Cole who sang our song, you will always be "Unforgettable" to me.
Wayne was blessed with a huge community of friends. He loved and appreciated each and every one of you and we will be forever grateful for all of your love and support.
Sincere thanks and gratitude to Wayne's doctors - Dr. Stephen Coyle for his "24/7" access and compassion over the course of Wayne's illness and to Dr. Ahmet Leylek and his assistant Danielle for their caring of Wayne over the years and, most recently, their efforts to get testing done. A special thanks as well, to the ICU unit at Health Sciences Centre for their respect, caring and compassion to both Wayne and I.
We hope to have a Celebration of Life for Wayne in the near future when we can gather together again and share some hugs. In the meantime, please share your stories and pictures on the Neil Bardal Funeral Centre website.
If desired, Wayne would have loved donations to be directed to Variety, the Children's Charity of Manitoba (204 982-1050, varietymanitoba.com), CJNU 93.7 Nostalgia Radio Station (204 942-2568, cjnu.ca), or the Rehfit Foundation (204 488-8023, reh-fit.com).
NEIL BARDAL
FUNERAL CENTRE
204-949-2200
neilbardalinc.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 02, 2020
Condolences & Memories (18 entries)
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I met Wayne while I was working in the Costco tire shop, he was an amazing guy with a huge smile and full of positivity. We would always joke around with eachother and share a few laughs. I will miss his visits, firm handshakes and big smiles, he was a larger than life character, and from the first moment I met him you just knew he had a heart of gold. RIP buddy! until we meet again. Sincerest condolences to his wife, family & friends. Heavens gain is our earthly loss. - Posted by: Wes Freund (Friend) on: May 12, 2020
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I met Wayne in Palm Springs this past January, it was a pleasure to have met him. He was the kind of guy that if you where new to a group included you like you had been there forever. Rest In Peace my new friend. - Posted by: Ken Hrubeniuk (A new friend ) on: May 08, 2020
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I first met Wayne through Variety Club. He was such an enthusiastic, positive person and as a couple, Susan, you two were terrific! So many good get-to-gethers and, by his enthusiasm, he encouraged us to give more to Variety. As an RBC er along with Darlene & Larry, we were always glad to lend a hand. My deepest condolences in this tremendous loss. You wrote up a wonderful tribute. - Posted by: Gerri McLean (friend) on: May 05, 2020
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So very sorry for your loss, Susan. Take care. - Posted by: Michelle Vermette (Friend) on: May 05, 2020
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Susan I am so sorry for your loss. I first became friends with Wayne almost 30 years ago and I never met anyone quite like him with his positive attitude and genuine caring personality . We became instant friends and shared many parties at your houses and dinners memories I will cherish . The world lost a saint and I lost my friend but his kindness will continue.Take care Susan ... Hugs - Posted by: Michael Schween (Friend) on: May 04, 2020
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The heavens will have embraced Wayne with open arms to accept such a honourable and genuine man. Both of us will cherish the annual 529 supper get togethers that was a special part of our summer rituals. Yes, Susan.... Wayne would certainly want you to carry on. He was so proud of you and all your accomplishments and the remarkable lady that you are. - Posted by: Laurie and Jill Baird (Firm partner and friends) on: May 03, 2020
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We want to say sorry for your loss our Daughter had to go to the heart center in wpg early 2000 and as visits went on we were told about variety heart charity we live out side wpg so we decided to go we met Wayne and he made us feel part of the part of the variety family instantly we then looked forward to every gathering with VHCC after that even when we had apts at the heart center we would bring Hayleigh to see Wayne and say hi and one of his awesome hugs Wayne was the gold heart of Variety Heart Children’s Charity just know our thoughts are with your family at this difficult time Wayne Rogers we will forget you Wayne Michelle Hayleigh Goertzen Variety Heart family ❤️ - Posted by: Wayne Michelle Hayleigh Goertzen (Variety family ) on: May 03, 2020
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Sue, I am so sorry for your loss. Wayne was a special friend to me and a father figure to Marisa. The kindness and compassion he showed her, was incredible. I will always remember him fondly. - Posted by: Teresa Solta (Friend) on: May 02, 2020
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We are so sorry Susan to hear of Wayne’s passing... He was such an incredible man, and you sure captured that in an incredibly wonderful tribute. You both are very special to our Family, and my heart breaks for you right now. The most sincere condolences, love from Jim, Kristin, and Matt. - Posted by: Jim Fisher (Family) on: May 02, 2020
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Susan, a beautiful tribute. As a 20 something I met Wayne and I would marvel at Wayne's stories and never got tired of the Elvis one. We did hit off right from the beginning with our love for music. And the night was never complete without Sinatra's "Summer Wind" played many a time . I also think it was a road trip to Grand Forks where I began to refer to Wayne as "Dad." It was absolute destiny for Wayne, who wore his heart on his sleeve, to find his way to Variety. Susan, Cathy and I send you our condolences and a big hug. Dad I love you and will miss you. "I lost you, (We) lost you to the summer wind. " - Posted by: Tony & Cathy Mariani (Friends) on: May 02, 2020
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My deepest condolences. I met Wayne through Variety. I was a Variety kid and volunteer. He was an incredible individual. - Posted by: Tammy Kasak (variety kid and volunteer) on: May 02, 2020
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Susan, Jennifer and family, Wayne's personality was as tremendous as is his passing. He truly did make you feel as if you were indeed the most important person in the room, and for the twenty years he was my friend, that is always how I felt. Please accept my sincere and deepest condolences at this incredibly sad time. There really are not enough words to describe how much better a place the world was with Wayne in it, here, with all of us. I am going to hold on to my memories of him and will keep those close. “When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.” ~ Kahlil Gibran - Posted by: Trevor Buhnai (Friend) on: May 02, 2020
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I have been around long enough to have met many many people but none like Wayne. He never needed a seat at family events because he was hardly ever sitting. Always visiting with everyone, asking what they were doing and spreading the love he was so famous for. Constantly interested and excited about what everyone was doing. We made him an honorary member of the family years ago. He, like us started in Elmwood so it was the least we could do. I truly wish we had gotten to play golf in Palm Springs this March. This Pandemic has taken something from everyone. I am sure you are schmoozing somewhere in heaven working on helping someone even there. The glass will not be as full without you. - Posted by: Rod (Friend ) on: May 02, 2020
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How do we say goodbye to such a wonderful man. Wayne’s name is heard many times throughout the story our journey after Chance’s stroke. He was a smiling face that asked our son Chance to be the variety hard hero. That moment brought many amazing adventures, meeting wonderful new friends, and hope that there was still good things to come! His love was large! It was strong and he leaves an amazing legacy. We send our sincerest sympathy to all of you. - Posted by: Jolene Toder (Variety Friend ) on: May 02, 2020
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Our sincerest condolences to Wayne’s loving wife Susan and his embracing circle of family and friends. The crossroads of life are amazing when your work can introduce you to a true heart of gold and a vibrant personality like Wayne. Always wanting to help and trek across the largest of rooms for the opportunity to make someone smile and lift their spirits. He had a true gift and calling and changed the lives of many as he was quick to connect to those who needed him. He will be truly missed. The heavens just got a lot brighter with his smile. Rest In Peace Wayne. 🙏❤️ Lisa and Presley - Posted by: Lisa Lester (Friend) on: May 02, 2020
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I was very fortunate to know Wayne in a number of capacities, a Variety mom, volunteer, coworker and friend. I have been involved with Variety, the children’s charity since it’s conception. My daughter was the 10,000 heart patient at the Variety Heart Centre. Had it not been for this wonderful facility my daughter would not be alive today! When Wayne got involved we all always felt like family. Once I retired from my regular job, Wayne hired me to work with him at Variety. I had my dream job and was thrilled to be working under his direction. He was the heart of Variety. Many many long hours, lots of hard work and more fun than you can imagine. All to help Manitoba children....... The world has truly lost a shining star, he will be missed. Now Marisa and Rodney and all the other children who have passed away, will have their champion to be with in heaven. Love you - Posted by: Terry-Lynne Hause (Friend and co-worker) on: May 02, 2020
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We met Wayne when Susan brought him to celebrate an annual get together at my godmother (Aunt Irene’s) for Christmas Eve. I had gone there every Christmas Eve first with parents, then first husband, then kids when back in Winnipeg, and finally with second husband. My kids were surprised when they got older that Susan and her brothers were not cousins. From day 1 Wayne fit right in with all of us. He made it easy for everyone to accept him as a friend. A loving husband to Susan, a wonderful son-in-law to Aunt Irene and Uncle Tom and a tireless worker for variety. We have been blessed to know him. - Posted by: Marilyn and Doug Hermiston (I, Marilyn have known Susan since her birth. Our parents were best friends.) on: May 02, 2020
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We have lost a legend but but we still have all the great things he left behind. Wayne was the first counterpart I met after being named CEO of the St Boniface Hospital Foundation and what a role model for how to raise money for great causes, how to praise your staff and how to look after your donors. We shared a love of Elvis but I never befriended Elvis’ barber who became Wayne’s link to Elvis and Graceland. We shared mutual friends, a few memorable golf games and a passion for our City and Province. To the only man who had the ability to make me part with my 1950 Packard for “the kids”, we will miss you but you are “unforgettable”. - Posted by: Chuck LaFlèche (Friend ) on: May 02, 2020
