Wayne Robert Pettie passed away peacefully at Ridge Meadows Hospital on September 17, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family.
He was born in Vancouver on August 3, 1950 and is predeceased by his parents George Waugh Pettie, Claire (Wanda) Mulski, older brother George and his beloved Golden Retriever, Molly.
He is survived by his son David (Jessica); daughter, Leanne (Jerry), grandchildren Kiana and Kaiden; sister-in-law Marilyn; Joan (Bill); Laurie (Paul); and a large extended family.
Wayne had a lifelong passion for music and was a respected educator and trumpeter. He began playing trumpet at a young age and performed with the Vancouver Youth Orchestra and the Kitsilano Boys Band for a number of years. He was a life member of the Vancouver Musicians Association and performed professionally with many local bands, including the Dal Richards Orchestra, Mart Kenny, Bobbie Hales, the Henry Ohlemann Oompapa Band, Jerry Wennes’ Happy Wanderers and Ron Smith’s variety groups. Most recently he played with the Bruce James Orchestra and the Maple Ridge Concert Band.
He graduated from UBC with a degree in Music and immediately embarked on a teaching career that spanned 25 years in Port Moody and North Vancouver. He was an inspiration to many young musicians.
He was a dedicated Dad and Grandpa. He loved going to his kids’/grandkids games, whether it was at the rink or on the ball field. He was kind, caring and compassionate. His sense of humour was legendary.
He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Wayne’s name to the Maple Ridge Concert Band, would be much appreciated.
A Celebration of his Life will be held for friends and family at the Port Moody Legion, 2529 Clarke St., Port Moody, on Sunday, November 10 from 2-4.
November 9th, 2024
I met Wayne only one year ago and we connected instantly over our dogs, the local dog park drama, and our shared dry, dark sense of humour. He filled a hole in my heart after losing my own father in 2015. He made me laugh, he made me remember the names of the people, not just the dogs, and he reminded me that genuine, warm humans still exist. Although our time together was short, I will always carry him with me. And I'll keep the pressure on those damn Canucks! Well, Wayne - you really took it up an octave this time! Play on with the stars, my good friend. xo
October 24th, 2024
Wayne was a truly amazing player, truth is you didn’t get to play with Mr D unless you were really really good. Kits Band will always be a Fraternity (although the initiations were far more challenging imo…)
For me, playing with artists like Wayne was inspiring. The attached image is from Expo 67 in Montreal.
I’m blessed with these experiences, and thanks to Wayne’s brilliance as a mentor to many, my hope is that we all pick something about him that resonates deeply. Make it part of who you are, that’s how to keep him close, forever.
🙏🥁🫶
October 22nd, 2024
Wayne, we miss your daily phone calls and your ongoing analysis of both football and hockey games! When my Mom was sick and in the hospital you called often to see how things were going and you have no idea how much that meant to me.
May you be playing your beautiful music in heaven!
October 13th, 2024
We reestablished our friendship about 4 years ago, as he lived on our Street. We had gone to High School together, (Killarney Secondary in Vancouver Grad 1968). We were in Band together and hung out together as well as a few classes. Wayne was always approachable and willing to find out how my life and family were doing. He will be missed by myself and of course others.
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