STRONG, Laurie Wayne

May 28, 1949 — April 3, 2023

With heavy hearts, we sadly announce the passing of Wayne Strong, he passed away peacefully in Kelowna General Hospital on April 3, 2023.  He is survived by his wife Sheri and daughters Leslie (Jamie) and Corrie (Rob), as well as by his granddaughter Brittany, and grandsons Tyler and Jakob.

Wayne was born in Kelowna, BC and spent his entire life in the Okanagan valley.  He was a proud Kelowna boy, growing up in the North End of town.  In his youth, his world revolved around his love of hockey and playing for the Kelowna Buckaroos with his brothers Terry and John.  To know Wayne meant you had the opportunity to frequently relive those years with him by listening to the endless hours of hockey and basketball stories he loved to tell.  His love of sports followed him throughout out his entire life, as a season ticket holder for the Kelowna Rockets, and as he followed his grandchildren’s sporting endeavours.

Wayne raised his family in Westbank, BC and spent his working years in the forestry industry as a lumber trader.  He also spent many years as a volunteer firefighter with the Westbank Fire Department throughout the 1970s and 80s, where he made many close friendships.  Wayne was always an early morning person, enjoying prework coffee at MacDonald’s, and after retirement at the Glenmore Tim Hortons with his friends.  Travelling was one of his greatest enjoyments in life, both he and Sheri were fortunate to travel to Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, Florida and throughout the United States.  He particularly loved the beaches of Maui.

Wayne’s best days were spent on the golf course with his good friends, until his health declined and was no longer able to play.  He and Sheri spent many years at their Westside Beach lot with close friends and family, and Wayne would likely tell you those were some of the best years of his life.

Always a straight shooter and man of his word, Wayne could be counted on to help anyone who needed it, and was an extremely loving and generous.  He had a tremendous sense of humour.  If Wayne liked you, it meant you would need to endure his endless teasing and joking.  He was also incredibly proud of his children and grandchildren.  “Papa Wayne” loved to brag about them to anyone who would listen.

Wayne was loved very much and will be dearly missed by his family and friends.  Papa, now it’s your time to rest, enjoy some long walks with your girl, Dixie, and eat all the ice cream you want.

The family would like to thank the Kelowna General Hospital staff at IHSC1 and 3 West for their care of Wayne during his final days; as well as the entire care team at Mountain View Assisted Living – not only for the excellent care they provided, but more importantly, for the many friendships they formed with Dad during his time there. Also, a special thank-you to the IH Community Health professionals who supported Dad these last few years (in particular Carrie Pettit, Peter Smallridge, and Michelle Pidduck (and Karen)) and who all helped him to maintain his independence – despite the numerous health challenges he faced.  We thank you on Dad’s behalf; please know he spoke highly of you all and what your support meant to him.  We are truly grateful for your clinical expertise and care of him.

At Wayne’s request, there will be no formal service.

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