It is with profound sadness that the family of Wayne David Huddleston of Ma-Me-O Beach, Alberta announces his peaceful passing on the 16th of September, 2021 at the age of 73 years.
He will lovingly be remembered by his wife, Carolyn; daughter, Carla (Trent) Smith; grandson’s, Owen and Ethan Smith; daughter, Andrea Lindal; grandchildren, Abigale and Alexander Armeneau.
Wayne is survived by his three sisters and one brother, Joan (Ken) Wilson, Shirley (Morris) Duperron, Jim (Lenore) Huddleston, Trudy (Larry) Antoniuk; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Allister Barton Huddleston; mother, Reta Jacqueline Olesiuk; and sister, Carol Lynn Huddleston.
Wayne was born in Whitehorse, Yukon and as an Air Force brat spent part of his childhood years in Chatham, NB and Cold Lake, AB. After his fathers retirement the family moved back to the family farm in Strome, AB and later to where the family farmed in Wildwood, AB. This is where Wayne found his love for the country which forever remained in his heart. Wayne enjoyed hunting at Wildwood in the “Back 40” with his friends and family. He loved nothing more than being amongst nature. His love for hunting began as a young boy and the old saying “you can take the boy out of the country but you can’t take the country out of the boy” remained with Wayne until his passing.
Wayne’s passion for drumming started in Vancouver, BC at the age of 17. Throughout his life, Wayne played in numerous bands in Edmonton and he always had a passion to “Jam” with the many musicians he met over the years including those musicians in Country Roads our winter home in Yuma, AZ where he founded the 595 Club. Jamming in Fort Saskatchewan with the Basement Boys band that was made up of family members was a time he would forever cherish. He paved the way for his brother and nephews who also had a love for drumming and pursued their love for music following in Wayne’s footsteps.
At the same time, he pursued his career as a Welder and Rigger with Local 146 of the Boilermakers and was a member for 48 years and gained many lifelong friendships with his Boilermaker brothers and sisters.
In 2002, Wayne required a liver transplant and received the generous donation of one lobe from his brother-in-law Ken. This was to be the first non-related liver transplant that the team at the University of Alberta Transplant Team had performed. They made headlines in the newspaper as well as on television. Ken’s generous donation added twenty years to Wayne’s life, and we will be forever grateful for that.
In 2007, after 30 years of living in Fort Saskatchewan, Wayne and Carolyn moved to Ma-Me-O Beach where he had his music studio that he could have his musician friends over to jam with and in the evening take pictures of the beautiful sunsets over Pigeon Lake.
Many years after retiring from the Boilermakers, Wayne started his own company, Conga Mechanical and Consulting Services, a career he had dreamt of for many years. He loved this career and again gained many friendships in the Pipeline Construction industry. Wayne was known for being a quiet, kind man of great integrity who loved to share his knowledge and enjoyed being a mentor for so many.
Wayne was known as a free spirit who loved his motorcycles and touring with his buddies in Canada and at his winter home in Yuma, AZ.
He will be missed by all those whose lives he touched.
Memorial donations may be made in Wayne’s name to the Alberta Transplant Institute.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at the University of Alberta Hospital Unit 5D4 for their care and compassion.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a Celebration of Life will be announced and held at a later date.
Wendy Marshall says
To Carolyn, Carla and the all-inclusive family, my heart, along with many others, is broken with sadness. Wayne’s life was an amazing one, and will never be forgotten. Rest “Easy Rider”. You will forever be in my heart.
I can hear you on those drums now !!!
Lou & Jim Goodwin says
Sending prayers to you Carolyn and Family and Friends 🙏 Never Forgotten
Dale & Paddi Cleland says
To Wayne’s beloved family, Dale & I will dearly miss our friend and lake neighbor. We will miss his music and quiet gentle nature. Having crossed paths on our life’s journey was something we will not forget. Someday we will hear and enjoy the wonderful sound of his music. Till then,we’ll listen to our Yuma tapes and feel his drums beat in our hearts 😢♥️
Isobel & Russ Sanderson says
So sorry for your loss, we enjoyed many afternoons in Country roads listening to his band and Wayne drumming.
Russ and Isobel Sanderson lot 675
Wendy says
A beautiful tribute. Sending love and hugs to you all.
Dave lozeron says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all
Linn Elizabeth says
condolences to the family
RIP SWEET ANGEL
Dean Milton says
My condolences to all of you. He was a wonderful human being.
Ed "Fast Eddie" Copeman says
Wayne was a good friend from around 1965 when we met, and I have many great memories of being in the Park Hotel in Edmonton, sitting w/ Carolyn, enjoying a beer while listening to Wayne drumming w/ a band there at that time.
I think my last memories of him were when he and Carolyn rode from Yuma to Gila Bend to meet w/ me, have a coffee and ‘shoot the breeze’ about two or three years ago, and seeing the Marine Air Show at Yuma w/ him some years earlier.
Wayne introduced me to “Toad” by Cream and the incredible drumming of Ginger Baker, and I ALWAYS think of Wayne when hearing that drum-solo.
He IS missed!
Shawna & Bill says
Wayne was most definitely the most gentle kindred spirit we have had the pleasure of knowing. His quiet nature & silent smile always said so much. It was important he & Carolyn be a part of special times for us as we were welcomed like family by them. Rest easy Wayne. You’ll live forever in our hearts & memories ❤
Bob Callahan says
Our whole family offers our deepest condolences and Prayers for your Loss.
Wayne was
A
Dear
Friend and I will surely miss our Fireside chats.
RIP my friend.
Linda Payne says
What a beautiful tribute Caroline to Wayne’s life, it was full & rewarding. He left this world knowing he fulfilled his dreams & had an impact on all he met. Again our condolences to all families & friends. We’re here for you Carolyn ~ RIP Wayne🙏🏼
Gary and Linda Wagar says
Carolyn, finding words is difficult. Gary and I will truly miss Wayne. He was always happy, smiling and easy to talk to — hard to find in this day and age. He was also always game to help, even if it meant shimmying under my front porch to rescue Snoop. He was also the only person we have ever known in our lifetime who actually had a huge part of his home dedicated to his love of drumming.
Gary and I were fortunate to have known him. He was a true memorable character who will not be forgotten. Our sympathy for you and your family’s loss cannot be expressed in words.
Linda pelletier says
So sad for your loss Carolyn our sincere condolences.
Linda and Paul Pelletier
Shirley Langelle says
My deepest condolences Carolyn 🌹
Krystal McDowell says
Much love to Carla and her family. I never had the opportunity to meet Wayne, but whenever Carla spoke of him, it was always with a fond smile and a big laugh. May his light be ever in your hearts.
Betty Rondeau says
I am so sorry Carolyn and family. Wayne was so kind and compassionate. Always a smile on his face. He will be missed.
Danny Coady says
I will always cherish our time together Wayne. I loved playing with you and doing gigs. You gave so much to the Centre For Spiritual Living Edmonton Metro with your gift of music.
Your band mate Danny
Ron & Sandy Lupton says
Our sincere sympathy Carolyn, and to all of your family!
Wayne was a kind, gentle soul and his spirit will live on.
Michael Lequire says
Carolyn and family my heart and prayers go out to you all at this time of sadness. Wayne was touched by all us who had the chance to meet him.
RIP my friend.
Ernie Oshust says
Carloyn. I had no idea that Wayne has left us. My sincere expression of sorrow. My condolences to you and Carla and your extended family. It has been 3 years since Mary Ann left. Wayne was a super guy and friend and I will not forget him. May your emptiness and grief subside however as time goes by it becomes easier to recall all the great moments but the tinge of hurt never leaves us. Take Care
Ernie Oshust