Wayne McRae

Wayne McRae

After a brief illness, our beloved father, brother, uncle and friend, Wayne McRae, passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.

Dad was born May 21st, 1943 in Selkirk, MB. During his life he had many jobs he loved in the Transportation Industry. He fondly recalled many stories from his time spent working at McGavin’s Bread and Atomic Transport. The summer he worked on the barges on the McKenzie River in the Northwest Territories. Another set of stories he constantly recalled was the time he and Winston McLeod drove truck together. Their driving adventure in Chicago, IL in the 1960’s was retold many times. The most important job he had was being a Cab Driver for Will’s Taxi, where he fell in love with our mother Judith.

Upon getting married and starting a family, dad worked at Selkirk Linen Services. Then mom and dad ran a small business together, the Selkirk Husky Gas Station. But the call of the road became too strong to ignore and in 1980 he started driving truck again. First as a driver for Mr. Bill Bassendowski at Arnold Bros Transport, then as an Owner/Operator of his own truck. During his 37 years of long haul driving, he spent it all at Arnold Bros Transport, where in 2013 he was acknowledged as the March Driver of the Month. He was additionally acknowledged in 2013 by the Manitoba Trucking Association with a 2013 MTA-Custom Truck Sales Inc./Kenworth Truck Company Industry Excellence Award.

Being a long haul driver, dad didn’t have many hobbies, but he loved his sports. Always watching the Jets and Bombers. Right down to his last days in the hospital.

He was predeceased by his wife Judith (2011) and parents Victoria and Borden. He is survived by his loving children Jo-Ann and Trevor; his sisters Beverly and Dianne (Bill); sisters-in-law Brenda and Linda and their families. Dad also had a special place in his heart for Jennifer and her parents Gerry and Erika. We also want to acknowledge dad’s childhood best friend, Lionel Clemons, for his constant visits and support to Dad during his illness. Dad and Lionel had many years of stories to talk about when they got together. We also want to thank Myrna and Larry Lattanzi for all of their help, love, support and TV rentals (for those Jets games).

Our dad’s great memories and stories will be in our hearts forever.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Zoppa for his kind and compassionate care of dad over the years. To all the Nurses and Health Care Aides for their kind and compassionate care during his multiple hospital stays. Also to the Home Care Team of Nurses and Health Care Aides that have worked with dad since 2018. Their awesome care of dad allowed him to stay at home longer.

At Wayne’s request cremation has taken place and a private ceremony will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Palliative Care, PO Box 5000 ,120 Easton Drive, Selkirk, MB, R1A 2M2.

Condolences may be left on his tribute wall at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com.

Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Wayne McRae, please visit our floral store.