Joseph Wayne Soganic

November 13, 1940 - March 24, 2025

In loving memory ~

Joseph Wayne Soganic passed away peacefully in the early hours of March 24, 2025 after a short illness, with his godson, Ron, at his side. Wayne is predeceased by his beloved wife, Ann-Marie and brother Keith and survived by his brother Jim (Glenys), sister Gloria and many nieces, nephews and godchildren.

Wayne was a devoted father- and uncle figure to many. He was a loyal and loving friend, evidenced by his enduring friendships with Barry Gear and Jim Chamberlain. A lifelong learner, Wayne's passion for Greek history and current events never wavered. He was an avid golfer and opera enthusiast, spending countless hours listening to his extensive collection of opera on vinyl. Wayne enjoyed daily walks with a Husky by his side. Nothing made him happier than casting a fly on a pristine Canadian lake alongside his brothers and friends.

Born in Kirkland Lake, Ontario on November 13, 1940, to parents Michael and Doroth Soganic, Wayne spent his childhood in the small Vancouver Island town of Cumberland BC. Wayne's childhood home was always lively, full of friends and laughter. He graduated from Cumberland High School and moved to Victoria before enlisting in the Canadian military. Wayne completed basic training at Camp Borden and was posted to Regina where he worked at the Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre.

He met Ann-Marie in 1964 and they married in 1966. Wayne was an incredibly devoted and loving husband to Ann-Marie. They shared many interests and supported each other as life partners every day of their 46- year marriage.

From 1965 to 1971, he was an administrator in the Institute of Aviation Medicine. From 1973 to 1977, Ann-Marie and Wayne were stationed in Lahr, Germany where they both served and worked at Headquarters Canadian Forces Europe (NATO). The work was challenging but they found time to travel extensively across the continent.

A career highlight for Wayne was representing Canada by serving in Cyprus for 6 months between 1979 and 1980 as part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces. He also served in the Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) as Master Warrant Officer and Regimental Chief Clerk.

After his military career, Wayne worked in the oil and gas industry in Calgary with Canstar Oil Sands, Nova Chemicals and more.

He brought his professional expertise in administration to Prime Minister Stephen Harper's election campaigns and was elected, himself, to the board of the Calgary Southwest Riding Association in 2011. That same year, Wayne and Ann-Marie were invited by the Prime Minister to join in welcoming the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to the Calgary Stampede.

Wayne strongly believed in Canada and in ensuring that young Canadians understood their heritage and history. In the early 2000s, he volunteered at the Museum of the Regiments (now the Military Museums) and worked on a project to catalog their archives. He also visited Calgary high schools in full uniform to share his service memories and deep pride in Canada. Wayne proudly attended Remembrance Day ceremonies in Calgary and High River each year.

May we all take comfort knowing that Wayne has been reunited with the great love of his life, Ann-Marie, and his beloved Huskies, Kappa, Kumi and Twistie. Together, they are with the Great Spirit of Mother Earth.

Thank you to Dr. Helena Mentz, the staff at the Fish Creek Retirement Community, Justin and Amine from Home Instead and the team at Rockyview General Hospital for caring for Wayne. Special thanks to his niece, Jenny Soganic, Wayne's godson and his wife, Ron and Rose Young, and Lidiya Kuzmichonok

and Loran Taboddi.

A Celebration of Life is taking place on Saturday April 12, 2025 at 2pm at the Fish Creek Chapel at McInnis and Holloway, 14441 Bannister Rd SE in Calgary. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Royal Canadian Legion or the Military Museums of Calgary.

 Island Funeral Services Elk Falls Crematorium