Roy “Wayne” Connell Obituary in Grande Prairie at Oliver’s Funeral Home & Crematorium

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Roy "Wayne" Connell

April 25, 1940 - March 21, 2024

Obituary For Roy "Wayne" Connell

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Wayne Connell, a long-time resident of Sexsmith, AB. Wayne passed away peacefully at Casa Grande, in Arizona, USA on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at the age of 83 years.

Wayne was born in Notikewan, AB on April 25, 1940 to Melvin and Audrey (Kinsman) Connell. He grew up in Hotchkiss with his two younger sisters Janice and Dorothy. The family owned the Hotchkiss General Store for many years. At the age of 15, the family moved to a farm in Buffalo Lakes.

Wayne attended Fairview and Vermillion Agriculture Colleges and then went on to apprentice as an electrician. He worked for Midwest Electric and Canfor Plywood Mill. While in Grande Prairie he met his future wife Jackie Penson. They were married on November 1, 1963 and recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

In 1976, the growing family purchased land northeast of Sexsmith. With the help of family and friends, they built their house and moved in by July 1978. The family home is where they raised their four children: Stephen, Scott, Kelly and Curtis. Together Wayne and Jackie built a lifetime of memories filled with family, friendships and countless hours in hockey arenas.

Over the years Wayne was an electrician for a variety of companies in Grande Prairie, Peace River, Yellowknife and Sexsmith. After the Canola Plant closed, Wayne and his sister Dorothy owned the Sexsmith Liquor Store for ten years.

Upon retiring, Wayne enjoyed spending time with family and friends, woodworking in his shop, travelling and playing cards. He met many new friends during the 15 years at their Winter home in Casa Grande, Arizona.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife Jackie; sons: Stephen (Linda), Kelly (Jackie), Curtis (Caily) and bonus son Spencer (Debbie) Kiernan; grandchildren: Tate (Cassie), Shenae, Delaney, Avery and Joely; sisters Janice McEachern and Dorothy (Joe) Farnsworth; Brothers-in-law Charlie (Bernice) Penson and Dale Smith; sisters-in-law; Maddy Jebb, Marlene (Jim) Harper, Sandra (Ivan) Tissington and Lila Penson; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Wayne was predeceased by his son Scott; parents Melvin and Audrey Connell; parents-in-law Jack and Dorothy Penson; brothers-in-law: Don (Shirley) Penson, Leslie Penson, Lyle (Josephine) Penson, Joe Jebb and Doug McEachern; sisters-in-law: Norma (Dick) Steinke, Norine (Jack) Arlint, Gwen Smith and Rose Penson.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00pm on Monday, April 15, 2024 at the Webster Community Hall.

A Livestream of the Service will be available before the service on Wayne Connell’s obituary on Oliver’s Funeral Home website.

Memorial Donations may be made in honour of Wayne to the Kidney Foundation (kidney.akaraisin.com/ui/generaldonation/donations/start) or a charity of your choice.

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Condolences

April 26, 2024

Carrie Richardson

Jackie,and family So sorry to hear about Wayne's passing .. we first met Wayne's and Jackie'.in Grande Prairie in the 60.s we were neighbours. A. Very caring and kind,man. Hold onto your memories it helps get thru the tough times Carrie Richardson
April 21, 2024

Diana Phillips

So sorry to hear about Waynes passing. He was a special man. He will be dearly missed in Casa by everyone and we will miss him at shuffleboard also. Prayers to you all. Diana and Louis Phillips
April 11, 2024

Ken & Carol Donison

Jackie, we were so sorry to hear about the passing of Wayne. I have many good childhood memories from visits with the Connells; which included playing cards, celebrating special occasions like Christmas and of course lots of laughs. Wayne was quick witted and usually had a come back for most things, then followed up with a laugh. I have two specific Wayne memories; one being the coyote. Some how Wayne captured a coyote, I remember him opening his car trunk and there was this very live coyote muzzled and tied up. I was not very old and thought this was unbelievable, I am not sure what ever happened to the coyote. I also bought my first set of wheels from Wayne, it was my first bike. I think I paid $6 for the bike (probably had to do it in two payments). Had many good times on that bike, I got my monies worth. Or deepest condolences to you and your family Jackie. We are thinking of you. Ken & Carol Donison
April 07, 2024

Charlie and Joan White

Jackie and family, So sorry to hear of your loss of Wayne. We always enjoyed our visits and will treasure the memories from agriculture school days Charlie and Joan White.
April 05, 2024

Dianne Blum

Sending sincere condolences, Jackie and family. Was saddened to hear of Wayne's passing. Despite us being from the same part of Alberta, it was Casita Verde in AZ that we become "snowbird" friends! I so treasure and value all those years in AZ, made so special by all the great friends such as Wayne and you, Jackie. I know Wayne'll be enjoying the odd brewsky with some of the other ol' boys who welcomed him "up there".............CB, Brian, Daryle. Sending gentle hugs to you, Jackie.
April 05, 2024

Ross and Gail Risvold, Hinton

Jackie and family, we are very sorry to hear about Wayne. He was a very friendly and warm person. Condolences to you all. Ross and Gail Risvold
April 04, 2024

Miles & Doreen Kuryvial

Sincere condolences to Jackie & family, Janice & Dorothy & families!! Wayne always had a friendly hello and smile to everyone!! Sincerely, Miles & Doreen Kuryvial
April 04, 2024

Kyla Wilson

Sending our deepest condolences to Steve, Linda and families. Hold his memories in your heart and may his love surround you always. With sympathy, Warren, Kyla, Darci and Brennan Wilson
April 04, 2024

Kevin McEachern

Some where in my collection I have a picture of me sitting on Uncle Wayne's knee at Auntie Dorothy's house in Dawson Creek. I know I'll find the picture because I sure miss him.
April 04, 2024

Susie Almeida

Deepest condolences to Jackie and families.
April 03, 2024

Sheldon Steinke

Wishing his Family the very best. I stayed over at the Connells house alot. I remember Wayne making Scott and I breakfast in his cast iron pan he never washed. It made breakfast taste so good. I remember Wayne falling asleep in his armchair watching TV and us waking him up in the morning in that chair. He was a kind and funny guy. I always enjoyed spending time with Scott and Wayne. Rest in Peace. - Sheldon Steinke
April 03, 2024

Ray/Barb Newman

Deepest sympathy to all of Wayne's family and friends. When someone becomes a memory that memory becomes a treasure. Sincere sympathy from Raymond and Barb Newman
April 03, 2024

Terry Utas

My deepest condolences to Jackie and the rest of the family. Wayne was a very nice man, and always had a smile and time to chat. He will be missed.
April 03, 2024

Claudette & Alfred Pelletier

Jackie we are shocked and saddened to hear these news. We will miss Wayne, he was such a nice smiley man. We offer our sincere condolences to you and your family. May you be comforted with the memories you've built together. May God keep you strong. Alfred and Claudette Pelletier
April 03, 2024

Pat Doug Gentry

Gentry's we just loved Wayne. So warm and out going. Wayne and Doug knew how to communicate well, because they both wear hearing aids! Jackie we love her for her great personality and our birthdays together. They had such wonderful kiddos, I never had the pleasure of meeting, but the many trips they had together we got to see the pictures. Our heartfelt condolences to Jackie and all the family. ❤️🤗🙏🏼
April 03, 2024

Darrel & Darlene Bekkerus

Deepest sympathy Jackie, Janice, Dorothy and families
April 03, 2024

Nel

I meet Wayne in Arizona and felt his genuine warmth almost immediately. Was gifted to have spent many gatherings with Wayne and Jackie. A wonderful man.

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