Obituary of Mr. Wayne Kenneth Bell

After a valiant, 15 year-long battle with dementia, Wayne passed away on Monday, September 9 at the age of 71. Wayne is deeply missed already by his devoted wife and caregiver Donna and his stepdaughter Heather. He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Julianne Morrissey (Dwayne), Jamie (Jodi), and granddaughters Summer Morrissey and Kayleigh Bell. Wayne was predeceased by his parents, Jean and Van, as well as his brother Bill and his sister Gail Redshaw (Wayne). Wayne's extended family - his in-laws, niece and nephews, his friends, neighbours, and colleagues remember him as a kind, generous, hard-working and funny man, and mourn his loss too.

Wayne spent most of his childhood years in Goodwood, Ontario and loved to tell stories about growing up as the youngest of his two siblings. His stories from his teen years really focused on the years he spent working at the Goodwood Go-kart track; his parents owned it at the time, and it is very clear that his time there spawned a life-long love of cars and fast driving. Cars were not only a passion but a hobby for Wayne. He knew the year, make and model of every classic car on the road, and even owned and fixed up a red 1965 Chevy Impala convertible. Wayne grew to love, own and ride motorcycles as well, and for many years took part in the Ride for Sight. Wayne took great pride in the maintenance and care of his vehicles, and could often be found washing and waxing his cars and teaching his kids how to properly detail the interiors of their cars, how to change tires, and how to parallel park. Wayne was always who you wanted with you on a road trip. He could get you there fast -- and always with a great soundtrack. He had a sense of adventure and curiosity, even when his sense of direction failed him. When not on the road himself, he watched Formula One racing on television, and loved going to classic car shows.

Wayne had an unmatched work ethic, and loved being part of a team. Most of his career was spent in sales and service working for IBM, Memorex, Nulogix, and Sun Microsystems. He was a respected team leader, manager and colleague, and had a great respect and admiration for "his guys" at SUN.  

Wherever Wayne was, people were laughing – he had a wry smile and a quick wit, and could banter with the best of them. He loved to sing and dance, and thankfully for those around him, he could really carry a tune and bust a move! From backyard pool parties to pub nights after work, Wayne had a large and well-loved social circle that loved him back.

Wayne found so much joy in the everyday things. He loved his home and was a good household handyman. He could often be found sitting on the front porch eating goldfish crackers, or enjoying a glass of wine on the back deck. He loved to play billiards, often went golfing at the local course, and enjoyed going out for breakfast on Saturday mornings. Not one to sit still for long, Wayne was always busy around the house and could be found cutting grass, maintaining the pool in the backyard, vacuuming, and doing dishes, Wayne did it all with an eye for detail. He took pride in the life and home he had built and shared with Donna.

In the early years of his illness when he could no longer work, Wayne and Donna were able to spend winters in Florida where a new circle of friends grew. The neighbours in the community of Clearwater Cascade Florida would take him golfing and keep an eye on his ball for him, and they helped to build and maintain a social life for him where he was always included. He and Donna enjoyed community events, walking along St. Pete's beach, and swimming in the pool and the Gulf. There they attended church, where Wayne loved the music, the sermons, and the community of believers around him.

Wayne spent the last 7 years of his life and illness in Long Term Care at Shepherd Village in Agincourt. In his time there, Wayne became a familiar face to so many. Every day, Donna would push him in his wheelchair and they could be found in the elevator, the hallways, the café for French fries, reading or sitting quietly in the library, praying and worshipping in the chapel, and out on the beautiful grounds near the fountains and under the trees. Wayne loved the outdoors, the sunshine, the wind, and the song of the birds. The family appreciates the efforts that were made to care for Wayne on the 2^nd floor during those years, and values the family and relationships that grew there since 2012.

Out of respect for Wayne’s long and difficult journey with this illness, there will be no funeral or memorial services.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations made in Wayne’s memory to Long Term Care where he lived. To donate, visit shepherdvillage.org/donate and select Resident Memorial in the drop-down menu at the bottom of the form. In the Special Instructions box, state “Wayne Bell - Long Term Care.” Your donation will go to much-needed items such as new beds, sling-lifts, and linens to provide top-notch care to the residents in Shepherd Lodge.

In March of 2010 after months of attending church weekly and enjoying the hymns and sermons in both Toronto and Florida, Wayne accepted the Gospel of Salvation through Jesus Christ. It is in God's promise that we find peace - we know that we will see Wayne again. He is free and home at last.