Obituary for
Wayne O’Keefe
It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Wayne “Woody” O’Keefe. He went to his heavenly home on July 1, 2020.
Wayne is survived by his loving wife and best friend Sherri, the children of his heart; Melissa, Cory, Daryl, Larissa, grandchildren; Kaitlyn, Hadley, Sierra, Connor, Ryken, Teryn; siblings Jeff and Debbie Marusiak. Lovingly remembered by his mother in law Clarice Hansen. He will be deeply missed by the siblings of his heart; Gary and Elaine, Rosalie, Brenda, Marsha and Dave, Ken and Rosanna. He will forever remain in the hearts of his nieces, nephews, his work families, and his many friends whom he considered family.
Wayne was predeceased by his daughter Vanessa Glew, mother; Elsie Marusiak, father-in-law, Svend Hansen, Baba and Gido Miskiw, Uncle Steve and Auntie Alice Miskiw.
Born on March 15, 1949, Wayne spent the first fifteen years of his childhood in Two Hills, Alberta. From there, he spent time in Spruce Grove and Smoky Lake. He returned to Edmonton to begin his life as a mechanic (automotive technician). Wayne loved his career however what he really loved was the relationships he made and maintained his entire life. He retired in 2017 to spend more time with his daughter Vanessa and his grandchildren.
Wayne and Sherri spent 35+ years living life with no regrets. Their adventures included travels to Jamaica, Mexico, Dominican Republic, and many parts of the United States and Canada. They enjoyed making memories wherever they went but it needed to include sunshine. Wayne would say that if he won the lottery he would move the entire family “south to where the butter melts.”
Wayne’s favorite word was Family. To Wayne, family was every person with whom he had a relationship. Activities he enjoyed included lake time, camping, visiting, dancing, movie night, playing cards, reading, attempting golf, bowling, water skiing, crosswords with Sherri, Christmas Eve with the Hansen’s, Christmas Day with the Miskiw’s, boxing day with the Fogg’s. He also enjoyed his annual trip to the Drag Races with Cory and Daryl.
Wayne was an amazing man, husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, uncle and friend and will be truly missed. He had a quiet, calm demeanor and when he spoke it was purposeful. Words that describe Wayne would include: kind, loving, romantic, thoughtful, witty, considerate and a little mischievous.
He had the most infectious smile and biggest heart. We all feel blessed to have had him in our lives to know and to love.
The family would like to thank everyone for their love and support during this time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or a charity of one’s choice.
A private service will be held on July 10th, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church, Edmonton. It will be live streamed for those who we are regrettably unable to invite.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Wayne
O’Keefe 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Edmonton, Province: Alberta