We Remember

ORMSHAW, William “Wayne”
—
1954 – 2020
William “Wayne” Ormshaw died December 30, 2020, while living at Sunpointe Village Care Home. He was predeceased by his parents Alan Ormshaw and June Thomilson (Whaley); his stepfather Murray Thomilson; brother Richard Alan Ormshaw; and son William Shawn Ormshaw.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Denise Ormshaw (Handley); daughter Christine Howard (Chris); and Michael Ormshaw (Rosella). He was Papa to Riley Ormshaw/Bennett; Mackenzie Bennett; Isaac, and Laine Ormshaw; Isaiah and Nyomi (Ben); and Anaiya and Olivia Howard. He was a great-grandpa to Nova-Lee and Elliana Saraya. He is also survived by his sister Kim Thomilson (Wally); sister-in-law Janet Ormshaw; brothers-in-law Dean (Sally) Handley, Brian (Judy) Handley; sisters-in-law Laurie Ryan (Handley), and Karen (Dave) Thompson/Handley; numerous nieces and nephews; and especially his childhood friends in Ontario.
He was born in Trenton, Ontario in February 1954. He grew up on the farm of his grandparents Pat and Pearl Whaley with his mother and his brother, after the tragic death of his father, until his mother remarried. He was happiest there. After all the years of being from the farm, it was still where his heart was. He hung a watercolour picture of it above his bed.
As a young man, he dreamed of being a Rockstar with his childhood friends. They formed a band together on more than one occasion. He travelled with one across southern Ontario playing keyboard and even had one of his own songs on CHUM Toronto. He was an amazing musician, best known for his bass playing. He was also an accomplished acoustic guitar player and songwriter. He played most instruments. He enjoyed playing in the church up until he lost his rhythm as a result of the disease that eventually took his life.
Wayne was quiet and conscientious – he took pride in his work whether it was a small or big job. Before moving back to BC in 1988, Wayne worked at CFB Trenton as a civilian electrician. He then worked at Downie Timber. Then owned, and operated Ormshaw Equipment Rentals for five years- which he loved. He worked for Burridges until his illness took that from him. He loved his Job! He was also a beekeeper for many years – donating his equipment to 3 Valley Gap before moving to Kelowna in 2015.
Wayne loved to tinker and work with his hands, he could fix almost anything. Those who knew him knew he never liked to throw anything away – MIGHT BE ABLE TO USE THAT!! or MAY NEED TO USE THAT SOMEDAY!!
He was a very private man and a gentle man. He kept lifelong friendships and loved his family the best way he knew how. He will be missed by many.
We will try and hold a memorial celebration of his life when we are able to do so.
A memorial donation can be made in his memory to the Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) Coalition www.msacoalition.org. Wayne was diagnosed and died of MSA-C Multiple System Atrophy – Cerebellum.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
My happy, funny, crazy, “no one will believe this”, and many joyful memories collected from all the years that I have known Wayne will help me through this sad time. Wendy, Tania and I will miss him dearly. Love you all, Janet
Wayne was a life long friend. We met in high school and along with his brother Rick and two other friends, Roger and Howard we formed a rock band, Royal Blue. We had a lot of fun and dreams.
We had a tight knit group of friends from high school and all stayed in contact through the years.
I’ll remember Wayne as easy to get along with. He was an excellent musician and dedicated band mate as we formed a band in the 80’s as well. A family man and loving husband to Denise.
I have many fond memories of Wayne that I’ll treasure.
Be at peace my friend. Love you
So sorry to hear this sad news, my deepest condolences to all the family. I’ll be keeping you in my prayers
We are so very sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing and are sending our condolences to all the family .
The angels have gained another musician. Strum on Wayne. Our sincere sympathy to Denise and all Wayne’s family. Rest In Peace Wayne.
During this time is sadness, we pray that God’s precence will surround you, comfort you and give you and your family much Peace. Much Love 💖
Thinking of you all. I never had the opportunity to meet your dad Christie however I can see that he raised a beautiful strong daughter and married an incredible loving wife. Sending you lots of hugs and prayers. So sorry for your loss❤️
Remembering his smile and his love for his family❤️
This is a very fitting tribute to a good man. He lived a good life. He loved his family and friends and had a strong faith. He left good memories behind for those he loved. There is no better life to have lived.
We will miss and you and your stories Uncle Wayne, Blessings to you and your family,
Shelley, James, William & Eva xo
Oh Denise, my heart aches for you in these sad moments that are also mixed with joy as he is embraced by the Savior. I have such fond memories of his quiet and humble way of being such an excellent musician.
May God’s peace enfold both you and the family.
Love Bonnie & Dennis
Frank and I send our sincerest condolences to Denise and all the family.
I am so sorry to hear this news.
Hugs❤️
Cousin Kathy
My deepest condolences and caring thoughts, Denise. May in time the happy memories shared with Wayne be a comfort. You are in my prayers.
Love and Prayers to the Ormshaw family…Rest easy Wayne. Mike & Melinda
Wayne’s father, Alan, was my older brother. As a teenager I babysat Ricky and then Wayne at their home on Wayne’s grandparents farm. Denise, my condolences to you and the family. Linda, Don and family, Georgetown, On
So sad to hear this – Sending you all healing hugs at this difficult time. May you find some peace in all the happy memories that you shared.
So very sorry for your loss. Sending our sincerest Condolences and prayers.
So very sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing.. May memories , family and friends, help you all through this very difficult time…
I enjoyed playing music with Wayne in Revelstoke. I remember his cool 70s tube amp and his Fender bass. A quiet and nice guy in my experience. My condolences to Mike and Denise.
Love and prayers Denise and family.
I know the past years have been so very difficult for Wayne and the family and now his soul is at peace. May you find comfort in your memories and the deep love you shared with him.
Wayne’s father was my older brother, Wayne reminds me of him. I remember Wayne as a small child, and as a adult with Denise with their 3 children visiting Salmon Point camping site. Was so sorry to hear of his passing. And l am thinking of you Denise and your family.
We are so sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. We have been friends since high school and Jacqui and I have great memories of the good times we had together when we were in Royal Blue and after.
Wayne and I lived together for a couple of years in Toronto. He was a fun loving, easy going guy and an excellent musician. Our sincerest sympathies to Denise and the rest of his family. He will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.
I am very sorry for your loss and wish your family strength during this difficult time.
Tracy Gray, Member of Parliament, Kelowna – Lake Country
Dear Denise and family-just now saw Wayne’s notice and so heart-broken to hear of his passing. Wayne
was a great guy and a legend on Wooler Road. We were all groupies of Royal Blue and I am sure every girl on the road had a crush on Wayne growing up. He and Rick were our own Rock Stars. I hope that all the memories you have with Wayne in Trenton and Revelstoke will keep Wayne alive in your hearts.
Deepest sympathies from the Scott family of Wooler Road.
We are so very sorry to read of Wayne’s passing. Sending our sincerest condolences to you Denise, Christie Mike and families ❤️
Trevor and Marie Marback