Wayne Arthur Simms
June 17, 1946 – October 16, 2011
The insidious beast named cancer claimed the life of Wayne Arthur Simms on Sunday October 16, 2011.
The BC Cancer Agency and Campbell River Hospital (Chemo Unit) gave us unexpected time to spend with our Wayne this fall. We will be forever grateful for the additional sunny days and laughter.
Born in Hubbards, Nova Scotia he attended Shatford Memorial School and then on to St. Mary’s University in Halifax. With his lifelong friend Paul Harnish, they spent their time hunting and fishing together at Timber Lake and the Mercer Road area, something that began with their fathers’ love of those activities. He left St. Mary’s University 1969 with a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a lasting friendship with Peter Young. He then followed his brother Rod to North Bay, Ontario where he joined the Bank of Nova Scotia.
His career, the Pacific Ocean and 52 weekends of golf per year called him to BC. He moved through the bank in progressively more senior roles, with his final position as Deputy Center Manager and Senior Credit Manager at the BC DFC in Richmond. Here he spent the next 15 years until retirement. By this time, Wayne’s family had grown to include 2 sons, his wife Dale and 2 step-daughters.
In 2005, Wayne and Dale set off on an adventure to Campbell River. The next 6 and a half years brought days of golfing, trolling for salmon and watching the market. Wayne was never without a deck of cards, constantly dealing 4 bridge hands. He enjoyed his time as treasurer at Storey Creek Golf Club, golfing with Bob and the boys, fishing the river with George & fighting Sailor for a warm sunny spot.
Wayne’s pride and joy were his sons, step-daughters, their spouses and even “more importantly” his 5 grand children.
Predeceased by his father Roderick Keith Simms (1985) & brother Rhodrick Harold Simms (2006).
Survived by his heartbroken family: In Nova Scotia - his mother Frances. Brothers; Gary (Sandra), Greg (Carol), sister Judy Hopkins (Paul) and numerous nieces and nephews. In BC - his loving and devoted wife Dale, sons Chris (Eva-Maria) and Steve (Carolyn), step daughters Sherri Dawson (Pat) and Shanna Lachance (Terry), grandchildren (in order of age) Jacob, Christopher, Sydney, Alexandra, Victoria.
A memorial gathering will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, October 21st, 2011 at Maritime Heritage Centre, 621 Island Highway, Campbell River, BC.
The family encourages everyone to bring a “Wayne” story to share. For those who are unable to attend, please contact Steve Simms at simms.sw@gmail.com if you have a story you wish to share.
In lieu of flowers, donations to The B.C Cancer Agency or Campbell River Hospital are requested.
Sutton’s
Campbell River Funeral Home
250-287-4812