Wayne McMurchy April 15, 1943 to July 13, 2017
Wayne passed away in peace, comfort and dignity, surrounded by friends and his wife Wanda who never left his side.
He was born in Yorkton, Saskatchewan to Elmer and Connie McMurchy. They moved to Saskatoon after the war ended. He attended Wilson Public School and City Park Collegiate.
He was in Air Cadets and the Air Reserve and spoke often of the great experiences they afforded.
After High School he worked for some months at the construction of the Gardiner Dam, which just celebrated its 50th anniversary.
He then started working in the Plumbing and Heating Wholesale industry where he had several jobs, culminating as a Purchasing Agent.
In 1966 he met and married Wanda Ferkingstad, the love of his life, and also gained the love and respect of her family.
He continued in the P&H business, in 1971 in Calgary and in 1973 in Prince George. 1977 brought them to Kamloops, working as senior purchasing agent for Westburne.
In 1985 he, along with his business partner Mark Anderson, opened the Powder Keg Shooters Supply. He loved the outdoors, any of the shooting sports, was an avid hunter and sometime fisherman, so it was a natural fit. He enjoyed his years there.
In 2001 when he was diagnosed with brain cancer he retired. Hard times of treatments followed, but he recovered sufficiently to lead an active and happy life. Photography filled the gap when he could no longer hunt. This past year as he developed more health issues life became more challenging – but he never despaired or gave up. The last 3 months were a special gift. He was able to walk with a walker and so was still able to go for drives with Wanda. The many photo albums were a source of interest and pleasure, as were the daily games of Scrabble. And of course he watched countless movies – John Wayne westerns being favorites.
He was predeceased by his mother Connie, his father Elmer, his father-in-law Jonas, his mother-in-law Jennie and his niece Michelle McMurchy.
He is survived and will be forever loved and cherished by his wife Wanda, his brother Bruce (Fran), his niece Shannon (Grant Macdonald), his sisters-in law Gwen Ferkingstad, Helen (Lloyd) Njaa, and nephews Bradley (Leanne) Njaa and Douglas (Shaun) Njaa.
Special thanks to friends Don Harrison, Henry and Elsie Walde and Linda Hoye for their love and support, especially for Wanda in his final days. We will miss his smiles and his story-telling.
He was faithful in reading his Bible and was confident in his faith in Jesus. There will be a Celebration of Life on Friday July 21st at 2:00 in the KAMLOOPS funeral Home 285 Fortune Dr.
Charitable donations to brain cancer research or the charity of your choice will be gratefully acknowledged.
6 Tributes
Dear Wanda,
This must be a very difficult time but also a time of blessing and assurance for you. You and Wayne had an obviously very close and loving relationship- memories you will cherish. We continue to pray for you through this time of grief.
Rene and Leverne
Dear Wanda,
We send our condolences on the loss of Wayne.
Bryan and Noreen
Dear Wanda,
Through our friend and your sister, Gwen, we have come to “know” Wayne and you. May abundant good memories comfort you, your sisters and friends sustain you, and hope and faith guide you. Keeping you in our prayers,
Debbie and Arnold Janzen, Saskatoon
Dear Wanda,
I was so sad to see Wayne,s obituary today..
My prayers are with you. I know how hard he fought to stay with you….no more pain, he fought a valiant battle…thinking of you with love, Joyce Bilodeau
We are sad to read that Wayne has passed away.we are so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you loving. Larry and Cheryl Dyck
We extend our condolences in the loss of your husband, partner and friend. He was a fine man! May you find comfort in happy memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Les and Irene Cannam,
Saskatoon