On May 21, 2020 at the age of 49 years old, Wayne peacefully passed away with his daughter Corina Jenkins, and dear friend Jennel Recoskie by his side.
He will be forever remembered by his Mom, Elizabeth “Betty” Smerchanski (nee McLeod), his brother Gordon, and his greatest friend and daughter Corina.
He leaves behind a very special friend, Kelly Jenkins and her family, all who loved him deeply and will miss him every day. Loved by Mateo Jenkins, who Wayne adored and the two shared a special bond that could not be broken across the miles or the years. He will be missed by many family and friends, including his work family at Bouris Wilson.
Reunited with his late father, Stanley Smerchanski, his older brother Rod Smerchanski, and his Aunt Frieda and Uncle Olly Karkkainen.
Wayne had a passion for the NHL and the NFL– The Ottawa Senators and The Dallas Cowboys were his teams and he never missed watching a game. He had a love for photography, and would spend hours taking pictures of everything from his daughter, to nature, to old torn down buildings and anything else that caught his eye.
He wore his heart on his sleeve, was kind, compassionate and always there to help anyone in need. He will be forever remembered for his sense of humour, and how he could make anyone laugh, including himself. He took any situation with grace and acceptance, and would find a way to make it into something funny and he did so easily.
The family would like to thank all the nurses, doctors and staff at the Ottawa General Hospital, who made sure that they did what his family would have done to care for him, with regular updates, FaceTime calls, and making telephone call arrangements.
Due to the current situation of Covid-19, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation would be greatly appreciated
Digital Guestbook
Mateo Jenkins
Duncan Morgan
You will be greatly missed my friend. Although we chatted little over the years we were great friends back in the day. You made a lasting impression on my life and I thank you for that.
Kelly jenkins
Your heart and kindness will be forever remembered. Thank you for being part of my life and for being the amazing man we all know and love. Me, Corina and Mateo were truly blessed to have you in our lives.
❤ love you xo
Amanda strickland
You were such an amazing man uncle Wayne and will be forever missed love you lots and rest easy xoxo
Simone Levesque
Thank you for being such a monumental part of my childhood. Love you always.
Jennel Recoskie
Wayne, I was very fortunate to have you in my life.....as a colleague, confidant and dear family friend. I will hold close in my heart the wonderful memories of watching horror movies together, going to Sens games, you always being my go-to tech guy at the Firm, awesome conversations, support and by far your amazing humourous personality!!!! Love you forever Wayne.?
Allen and Sylvia Karkkainen
Dear Betty and Corina, our prayers and thoughts are with you, your family and all Wayne’s friends.
Wayne touched many lives and will be terribly missed by everyone who knew him.
Peace be with,
Allen and Sylvia
Andrea Murfin O'Connell
Wayne and I were a big part of each others lives for about 5 years. We worked together, dated, had fish tanks in the basement at his family's Walkley road home. I called Betty and Stan Mom and Dad and the whole family welcomed me in. Wayne really did make me laugh, he made me feel loved and special and we had a lot of great times together. I was very fortunate to have him in my life as my boyfriend for those 5 good years. We messaged each other a couple of times a year to keep in touch and I knew how proud he was of his daughter. Betty, I can't imagine how you feel as a mom losing your 'baby' boy. My thoughts and prayers go out to you Betty, Gordie, and Corina. May the good memories provide comfort and that your bonds with each other support you through life without Wayne. He was a very kind, special man and he will be missed greatly.
Thank you for everything Wayne, you’ll be remembered with love and compassion every day.