We Remember
IRELAND, Gordon Wayne
September 16, 1946 — July 21, 2021
It is with broken hearts, that we announce the passing of Wayne Ireland of West Kelowna, BC, at the age of 74, on July 21, 2021.
Wayne was born in Fergus, Ontario and grew up on a farm outside Arthur, Ontario. In the late 1960s, Wayne headed west and settled in Prince George, BC. In 1977, Wayne married Rita Coffey. He was self-employed for many years and operated Ireland Paint and Body and then Ireland Paint and Sandblasting on the Hart Highway in Prince George. In 2013, they sold their farm on the Old Summit Lake Road and moved to West Kelowna, BC.
Wayne is survived by his wife, Rita; as well as three sons: Matthew (Shawna) of Prince George, Jess from West Kelowna, and Larry (Kata) of Black Diamond, AB; and five grandsons: Hayden, Dylan, Benson, Liam and Josh. Wayne is also survived by three sisters in Prince George: Nancy Ireland, Sheila Ireland and Sharon Sperling; as well as his brother, Rick (Sharon); and a special brother-in-law and hunting partner, Ted Sperling. Wayne will also be missed by his aunts, an uncle, a niece and cousins, as well as many great friends both in Prince George and West Kelowna. Wayne was predeceased by his parents Doreen and Gordon Ireland.
Wayne loved his annual hunting trips, he loved working on his vehicles and puttering in his shop and in the yard. He loved his family and the time they spent together. Wayne taught each of his sons how to work hard and was extremely proud of their chosen careers in the trades. For his last 8 years and right up to less than 2 weeks before he left us, he worked at the car wash at Andres Electronics in West Kelowna. Retirement was not for him!
He will be remembered as a kind and generous man who honestly could fix anything.
Sincerest thanks to Dr. Ryan Foster and Dr. Julian Mackenzie-Feder, as well as the nursing staff in ICU, for the outstanding care Wayne and his family received. Thanks as well to Dr. Ryan Bystrom, our family doctor, who gave us amazing support.
As Wayne wished, there will be no formal service at this time. Cremation has taken place, and in lieu of flowers, donations to the Intensive Care Unit at Kelowna General Hospital would be appreciated by the family.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
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Intensive Care Unit at Kelowna General Hospital Link: kghfoundation.com
Condolences
We are missing our friendly and helpful neighbour, Wayne, who with his wife, Rita, welcomed us to the neighborhood 4 years ago. Our sincere condolences to Rita and family
Fred, Arlene and granddaughter Scarlett
We send our condolences to Rita and family! Wayne was a wonderful guy and sure knew how to host a pig roast!! Great memories at Summit Lake! 🍺😎🌅
We are so saddened to hear of Wayne’s passing. Our condolences to you Rita & your family. Broken-hearted for all of you💔
Sending my sincere condolences to you Rita, and your family, as you grieve the loss of Wayne.
Dear Rita and family, It is one long week today that Wayne has left you, your family and friends. I will forever remember this day Rita, as the moon was full in the evening and I truly believe it did guide him to his journey to the wonderful beyond!
Our hearts are with you my friend Rita, Wayne was such a gentle man who loved you and his family!
with love, Susan and Oscar
I am very sorry for your loss and wish your family strength during this difficult time.
Tracy Gray, Member of Parliament, Kelowna – Lake Country
Sorry to hear was a good freind was always fun catching up cant say enough about wayne (RAMBO)
Sincere condolences from the team here at Brix Wellness, Rita. Wayne was always such a pleasure, and we loved the days when he would come in…always in that cool truck! We will miss him dearly.
Rita, I was so sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time – Arlette Mitchell
Wayner, My Dad.
I honor and am grateful for the time I have had with him. I spent one month a yr together with Dad and Rita for a number of yrs before and after Matt and Jess were born. I learned to work hard for what I wanted and learned manners as well as hunting with Dad. I looked forward to these visits all yr long. When the month was up all I wanted to do was stay for a yr. Dad is a good man through and through, he had great and loyal friends and would help people out at anytime. I love my Dad and will miss him a lot. I am again grateful for the two brothers that Dad and Rita had ( Matt and Jess ) and the further legacy of their families . Dad we will see you in the future .
We are so saddened to hear of Wayne’s passing. Our sincere condolences to you and your family, Remembering the good times at Summit Lake.
Bruce and Karin Nyberg,
Our heartfelt condolences to Rita, the boys and families. We have fond memories from Summit and when Wayne painted the green machine.
He will be missed! Sincerely, Bill and Sandi Fillion
So sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing, Rita. My deepest condolences go out to you and your family. Memories are special💖. Take care.