DUNN, WAYNE

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Wayne Dunn, a proud RCMP Veteran, beloved Georgian College professor, serial Entrepreneur, devoted family man, and legendary storyteller, who left us after a courageous five-year battle with cancer.

Wayne lived life with intensity, humour, and unshakable passion. Whether on the ice, the slopes,  or the golf course—or the snowmobile trails, there wasn’t a sport Wayne didn’t excel at. He had an undeniable thrill for speed. His prized Number 77 race car, his boats, motorcycles, snowmobiles and always pristine cars, were more than machines—they were extensions of his adventurous spirit. His wife Ellen didn’t always see eye to eye with him on this one.

His booming laugh could light up any room, and his stories—rich with detail, humour, and heart—and possibly at times some embellishment for entertainment purposes, were unforgettable to anyone lucky enough to have heard them. Wayne had the rare gift of making people feel truly seen and welcome; he greeted everyone with warmth, laughter, and, more often than not, a tale always worth retelling. He told a story that somehow always felt like it was meant just for you.

Wayne had the uncanny ability to recall every country he had visited by remembering the meal he had there. Food was never just food—it was a memory and a story waiting to be shared. A foodie through and through.

Wayne’s strength and resilience were never more evident than in his final years. A true fighter, he faced cancer with courage, dignity, and that same unwavering sense of humour that defined his life.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 58 years, Ellen, his cherished daughter Amanda(Billie), adored granddaughter Harlow, and devoted son-in-law Pete. Wayne was the much-loved brother of Wendy Holm (late Dwight), Donna Ronald (Mark), and Dale Greaves (Doug) . He will also be missed by his sister-in-law Judith Hayes (Andy Luff) and his many wonderful nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Harold (Johnny) Dunn and Ruth Dunn.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the Royal Victoria Hospital Cancer and Palliative Care Unit for their tremendous care and support. We are deeply grateful to the entire team for their compassion and dedication. Special thanks as well to Wayne and Ellen’s incredibly supportive neighbours Sandra and Garry Dunn. Also, his very best friends always by his side, John Beer and Fred Fitzsimmons.

Wayne’s legacy will live on in the lives of the countless students he inspired, the family he fiercely loved, and the many friends and colleagues who will forever miss his laughter, wisdom, and stories.

He will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His laughter is now part of us forever. And we will retell his stories, just not quite as well, so they live on.

The family asks that you honour Wayne by sharing a story, embracing adventure, and greeting someone today with a smile and a laugh—just as he would have. You can also share a story below, the family would love to hear yours.

Wayne loved animals. Those wishing to pay homage to Wayne’s memory are invited to support his beloved SPCA Ontario SPCA and Humane Society - Ontario SPCA and Humane Society OR Canadian Cancer Society cancer.ca.

There will be a private celebration of life, as Wayne requested.