Obituary of WAYNE CHERNECKI

WAYNE CHERNECKI It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Wayne after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Surrounded by family, Wayne passed away on February 11, 2013. Wayne is survived by his loving wife and best friend Marilyn, his son Christopher (Alana), daughter Kerrie, father Peter, and his granddaughters Anna, Emily, Tyler and Jayne. Wayne was predeceased by his daughter Jamie, brother Norman and mother Emily. As a young man, Wayne was an exceptional athlete. By age nineteen he held the Manitoba Junior Baseball league Triple Crown title while playing for Legion 141; he was honoured with the Harry Hood Trophy in high school football and was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in hockey. In addition to Wayne’s athletic accomplishments, he also recognized the importance of education and went on to complete his Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Manitoba while playing hockey for the Winnipeg Junior Jets of the WCHL. Wayne played four seasons with the Springfield Kings and the Providence Reds of the AHL and was recently inducted into the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame earlier this year. After his hockey career, Wayne began a successful business career in real estate. Wayne was well respected in the business community as a result of his genuine personality, strong work ethic and professionalism. Wayne retired as Senior Vice President of Western Canada with Redcliff Realty Management in the fall of 2011. Wayne’s other passion after his hockey career came from his volunteer time as a coach and mentor to young boys and girls. Wayne began coaching with the West Kildonan North Stars of the MJHL. Later on, as Wayne’s children became more involved in athletics, it brought him great joy to be involved in their lives as a coach in hockey, football, baseball and softball. As Wayne’s children grew older, he continued to devote his time to coaching young men in minor and junior hockey with the Winnipeg Hawks and the St. James Canadians. Wayne served as a positive role model and motivator for the young men he coached, and inspired them to always do their best, and most importantly, to develop integrity and good character. Above all of Wayne’s personal achievements, the most important thing in his life was his unconditional love for his wife Marilyn whom he loved for over fifty years, his children, grandchildren, parents and extended family. Being close to family was always Wayne’s first joy in life and brought him tremendous fulfillment. Wayne was a devoted son and father with a strong sense of honour and was always there to support his family and friends in their time of need. Wayne will rest peacefully knowing that his values, generosity and love for family will continue to live on through his wife, his children and his grandchildren. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Kevin Saunders who Wayne relied on not only as his doctor, but also as his friend. We would like to thank Cancer Care Manitoba, especially Dr. Harding, Dr. Paul and Dr. Sisler. As well, we would like to thank Dr. McClure at St. Boniface Hospital Palliative Care and the exceptional staff for their empathy and attentive care. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation or Hospice & Palliative Care Manitoba. A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. on Sunday February 17th at 10:30am. A private interment for immediate family to take place.