Obituary of Wayne Bunney

It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the passing of Darryl Wayne Bunney (addressed by most as Wayne).   

He leaves behind his wife of 46 years, Giselle (nee Boucher); daughter Shandra (partner Kevin Patton) and two grandsons Kai and Beau of St Anne MB.  Also cherishing his memory are his sister Linda Stevenson (Ralph) and family of Saskatoon; and brother Brian (Jean McLean) and family of Regina. 

Wayne was predeceased by his son Devin in June 2019; his parents Don and Jean Bunney; and his in-laws Grace and Louis Boucher.

Wayne was diagnosed with liver cancer in the fall of 2023. He fought a long and hard battle, but ultimately passed away due to post surgery complications at HSC Winnipeg.    

Wayne was born and raised in Saskatoon. He completed his education at the Kelsey Institute of Applied Art obtaining a degree in Chemical Technology in 1973. He was employed by the Wolloston Lake Uranium Mine in Northern Saskatchewan until 1978.  He then joined Eckl Flooring in Saskatoon. His on-the-job experience, along with his carpentry skills led to many house renovations that were done to the family homes in Saskatoon and Winnipeg.       

Wayne and Giselle were married in June 1978 in her hometown of Rosetown, Saskatchewan. Both of their children were born in Saskatoon. In 1993, the family moved to Winnipeg where Wayne joined his father’s paper packaging business, Trimor/Bunzel Products, and worked there until 2003. After that, his career took a different turn when he was employed by the City of Winnipeg as a Transit driver until his retirement in 2013. 

Poppa Wayne had a special bond his grandsons, Kai and Beau. They were always excited to come visit at Poppa’s house. They would share silly games and spent much time at the playgrounds and in the backyard pool.  The best was trips to the Fork’s Market for cinnamon bun treats.  The boys will surely miss their Poppa.

Wayne was a sports enthusiastic and tied up the family TV watching endless sports – curling, hockey and football. Somehow, he was still a staunch cheer leader for the Saskatchewan Rough Riders. He was an avid curler himself, enjoying the 55+ league at the Pembina Curling Club.

Winter months were spent in El Centro California at Desert Trails RV Park.     He enjoyed golfing, water volleyball, volunteering, sight seeing and just relaxing.

Camping was an important part of Wayne and his family’s lifestyle.  Many camping trips were made throughout Saskatchewan and Western Canada.  His parents owned a cabin at Black Sturgeon Lake near Kenora where the family also spent a lot of time.  From 1997-2022, they had a seasonal at Miller’s Campground near Portage la Prairie.  Memories built around campfires with bush pies, Sunday morning brunches, and so many pranks, are endless.  The history of Millers includes the base of lifetime friendship with the Poirier’s, Marilyne and Marcel.  Wayne also enjoyed some fishing and every year made the trip to French Lake in northern Saskatchewan, with a long time friend Glenn Wagner of Saskatoon.

 Many camping trips were had in Wayne’s life and many trailers of all types. The bets were always on about how long Wayne would keep his trailers.  He had a fondness to switch trailers on a regular basis until he found his dream coach, a 2011 Winnebago Journey 40ft motorhome.  However, camping by a lake was favored by Wayne along with his love of Lake of Woods area.  Since 2022, that passion was found again at Pye’s Landing in Clearwater Bay Ontario, where Wayne and Giselle found a park model that could accommodate the family.

Mornings for Wayne was sitting on the deck with his coffee and watching the lake.  Many days and evenings were spent on the lake in his pontoon boat, enjoying the view and an occasional dip in the waters. That is how Wayne found the most peace and joy.  

The family will gather at a later date to bring a closure of their time with Wayne. Alterna Cremation in charge of the arrangements.

Those we love can never be more than a thought away,

for as long as there’s a memory, they live in our hearts to stay.