Obituary of Wayne Francis Wilson

Wayne Francis Wilson, 82, of Oyen, peacefully passed away on August 30th, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Wayne was born on November 8th, 1943, at home in New Brigden, the fourth child of Charles and Myrtle Wilson. Wayne grew up on the farm, but you could always find him playing hockey or on the baseball field with his cousins and friends.

Wayne moved to Calgary after he finished school and lived with his Uncle George and Aunt Virginia. There, he worked in construction, drove a taxi, played hockey for Inglewood and took a barbering course.

Wayne moved to Oyen in 1962. After working for Matt Marshall, he bought him out and barbered at the Oyen Barber Shop until 1982. In 1983, Wayne went into the machinery business and opened Oyen WRED Sales, where he ran a successful business until 1999. His interest in farming and agriculture led him to become a crop adjuster for AFSC until his retirement in 2014.

Wayne married Ellen Marguerite Brookman on October 21st, 1967. They were blessed with one daughter, his pride and joy, Natalie Rae, born in December 1972.

Wayne’s family grew in 1996 when he gained a son-in-law, Jason Jorgenson, followed by his three cherished grandchildren: Jared, Brooklyn and Kaileigh.

Wayne worked hard but also had an avid interest and passion for sports. He played, then coached Senior baseball in Oyen from 1965 to 1975. Wayne was also very passionate about hockey. He coached ‘His Boys’ through Midgets, Juvenile, and Senior teams from 1966 to 1986.

The Town of Oyen was another big part of Wayne’s life. Wayne became a town councillor in 1971 and served for 18 years. In 1989, Wayne ran for Mayor, and he served for 9 years. Over many years on Town Council, Wayne made lifelong friends and saw many improvements in the town.

Wayne also took great pride in being a member of the Oyen Legion. He held many offices and enjoyed many years of camaraderie.

Wayne and Marguerite had many friends and enjoyed an active social life. In his spare time, you could find Wayne having a Rye and Coke with good friends, curling, camping, fishing and golfing, and even travelling abroad.

To those who knew him best, he was a man of quiet strength, a loyal friend, and had an unwavering love for his family.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife Marguerite of 59 years, daughter

Rae (Jason); grandchildren Jared (Maricar), Brooklyn (Toby) and Kaileigh (Skyler); his brother Lawrence (Linda); sisters-in-law Carolynne (Kenny), Valerie (Laurie) Johnson; bro-cousins Terry (Velma) Pearen and Gerry (Deb) Pearen; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Wayne was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Myrtle Wilson; brothers Donald (Nancy) Wilson and Gordon Wilson; and sister Shirley (Rheiny) Schroeder.

The family thanks the staff of the Oyen Long Term Care for their dedicated and caring service, and the generosity of friends and family.