It is with heavy heart that family and loved ones said their
final goodbyes to Mr. Wayne H. Getchell, who passed away peacefully
Saturday, September 3rd at Saint John Regional Hospital at the age of
79 with his granddaughter Michelle Anderson at his
side.
Born on Christmas Eve, 1942 to Hazen Getchell and Berla
Powers (nee Cumberland), he was the second of five children. Growing
up in the 50’s, Wayne adopted the classic cool look popularized by
James Dean, but his grandchildren always thought he looked like the
“Fonz”. He was passionate about motorcycles, hot rods, and
muscle cars.
Growing up between Mayfield, New Brunswick and Toronto, Wayne
took to both the big city and an enjoyment of the outdoors. Drawing on
his experience as a Boy Scout, Wayne took pleasure from being on the
water kayaking and fishing, and the bush, hunting and gaining respect
for nature. A perfectionist, he was drawn to competitive shooting in
Ontario and later in New Brunswick, and a career as a tool-and-dye
maker. He took pride in his profession and claimed to have never made
a mistake.
Eventually, the call of New Brunswick caused him to return
with his wife Elinor M. Getchell (nee Jones). Wayne had two children,
David and Debbie Getchell, and Elinor (Elley) had one daughter, Alice
Neumann.
Wayne and Elley continued their lifelong love of motorcycles
and the outdoors together, and they opened their own store in St.
Stephen, Elley’s Antiques, in 1980. Wayne was able to pursue his
passion for sports cards and memorabilia, war antiques, and the Wild
West, even instructing motorcycle classes. He and Elley could be found
at yard sales throughout the province.
Wayne enjoyed telling stories, and this led him to writing
for the Courier and Courier Weekend, sharing his experiences,
thoughts, and personal views on a wide variety of topics from hunting
to current events. He also developed a passion for music and formed a
band with local residents seeking to inspire the next generation to
keep Rock & Roll alive and to pursue their
dreams.
Wayne may have seemed the tough guy on the outside, and there
is little doubt his stubborn streak was legendary, beneath the crusty
exterior was a kind and gentle soul always ready to lend a hand to
others when needed.
Elley’s Antiques closed in 1998 and he and Elley
entered an early retirement enjoying a simple life of maintaining
their home, yard work, spending time in the woods, and of course his
dog Nipper, who bore an uncanny resemblance to Wayne.
He had a great deal of pride in the accomplishments of his
great grandchildren, whether near or far, and he was always interested
in their young lives.
A “Rock & Roller” to the end, Wayne would
appreciate these words from Jim Morrison of the Doors. “Give up
defining yourself; to yourself or to others. You wont die. You will
come to life…don’t be concerned with how others define you. When
they define you, they are limiting themselves, so its their problem.
Whenever you interact with people, don’t be there primarily as a
function or a role, but as the field of conscious Presence. You can
only lose something that you have, but you cannot lose something that
you are.”
Wayne didn’t allow others to define him, and if
they tried, he’d have paid little mind. Beneath that crusty exterior,
there was a gentle soul ready to join you for your journey, both the
highs and the lows. Wayne’s conscious Presence will be missed by his
family and those whose paths he crossed, but he will never be
forgotten because for those who loved him, he became part of who they
are, and “you cannot lose something that you
are”.
In keeping with Wayne’s request, there will be no
funeral service or visitation held.
Condolences may be sent to the family online at
www.mehanfuneralhome.ca
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Wayne H Getchell 1942 2022..
Death notice for the town of: St-Stephen, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick