James McCarthy

JANUARY 29, 1938 - OCT 12, 2014 With heavy hearts we announce the passing of JAMES (WAYNE) MCCARTHY who passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer at home surrounded by his family on Sunday, October 12, 2014. In his own distinctive way he somehow managed to have the last laugh in what should have been a rather sombre situation, only something Wayne could accomplish. Wayne was born on January 29th, 1937 in Port Arthur, Ontario to Marion and Jimmy McCarthy. His talents and great gifts of generosity, love and laughter will be deeply missed by devoted wife, Joan, his four children, Donna (Bill) Ostrom, Jan (Dan) Hawkins Burlington, Ontario, Sharon (Todd) Fucile and Pat (Samanthe) McCarthy, as well as his sisters Mary Jane (David) Norman, Joanne (Tom) Dunn. He will also be missed by his 5 sisters and brother in laws and spouses, Frank (Joanne) Wenzell, Dorothy (Roger) Sawicki, Judy (Gord) Wooldridge, Maureen (Dwight) Stirrett, Patti (Emil) Slivchak and Marilyn (David) Shaus. Also his treasured 11 grandchildren, Katelyn (Mikey) Williams, Cassandra and Dane Ostrom, Nelson (Madusha), James and Madison Hawkins, Randi-Lee (Ryan) Eddy, Clayton (Lena) and Brett Fucile, Dillon and McKenna McCarthy and precious great granddaughter Aila Eddy. He will also be missed by his numerous nieces and nephews which was a source of pride to him as he was a special uncle. Wayne lived a full life, a man of faith, a devoted father, and son; his parent's family home was full of music, friends and family. His fondest memories as a child were Sundays spent in Waverly Park, or at family gatherings where relationships, dancing and celebrating were abundant. He grew up remembering World War II. This shaped his love and fascination for history and patriotism for his country. He spoke of relatives and young men who went off to war and never returned. He joined the Scottish Regiment, had tremendous respect for those who fought for our country and honoured them by attending the annual Waverly Remembrance Day ceremony. He had a strong conviction that if our soldiers could endure the trenches we could certainly endure the cold for a few hours, it was the least we could do. Post ceremony he would visit the Legions where he would buy rounds and converse with the veterans and "Thank" them for the commitments they made. He had a tremendous respect for their contribution and was thankful for the great country that we lived in. Wayne grew up quickly being the man of the house as his father was an engineer on the railroad for CN. This is where he learned his skills to be able to repair and barter, this served his well throughout his life as if he could not fix it, he certainly knew someone who knew someone who could. As he was always giving someone a hand with a project and of course favours were always returned. He had a tight circle of friends and this was important to him. The family garage, the backyard pool, driveway and the wiring of his children's homes were examples of this. He solicited the help of many of his "union" brothers and they were happy to reciprocate. He was fascinated by trains as he enjoyed many family trips across the country. He was amazed at the pure power of the steam engine, and the simplicity of such, the impact that this invention had on history; the sound of the whistle as it made a crossing especially at Sunny Side Beach and being with his father on his last run. He married his sweetheart, Joan in 1959 who he met at a dance. She was a girl from the other side of the tracks "Fort William". She fell in love with his baby blue eyes, charm and Fred Astaire moves, they were beautiful to watch on the dance floor. They fell in love as teenagers and then again 50 years later when his illness was diagnosed. At times he drove her crazy, but she was well aware of what she wanted and it was him. His made connections with people instantly and loved to relay his stories, or "shoot the breeze", and reminisce about days gone by. He was Nostalgic in many ways, believed that a man's word was held with a hand shake; you needed to talk face to face and if you were going to do something do it right or do not do it at all. He chose a career as an electrician, and was very proud of this Brotherhood and the strong friendships he made. He was a member of IBEW 402 for 55 years, and worked for various electrical contractors on monumental projects, but not limited to State Electric, Peterson Electric, McCormack, Strachan Aiken, Langen Electric and E.S. Fox ending with the TBRHS build as his last project. . He finished his career as the Business Manager of which he enjoyed, planning for his "brother's" future sustainability was the focus. His interest to help others was always at the forefront; this landed him several volunteers' positions of which he enjoyed tremendously. Dragon Boat Races, KofC Spaghetti Dinners, Hornet's and LACL Bingos, the St. Vincent De Paul Society, Salvation Army Kettle Bell Campaign, IBEW 402 annual picnic and Children's Christmas Party, and the Canadian Red Cross Society. He continued to purchase the group Lottery tickets as his dream was to win big, solve everyone's financial burden and take his share to build a new roof at St. Andrews. His parents were pioneers in the original Dew Drop Inn soup kitchen on Cumberland Street where the meal was one large cauldron of soup and sandwiches weekly. Many contributions from social functions were donated for this cause, as were so lucky to have the abundance of food on our tables; he could not bear to know that someone out there was hungry. He was an avid Green Bay Packer, Montreal Canadian and Toronto Blue Jays fan. A proud papa and papa papa who enjoyed watching the grand children's activities who could be easily identified by one of his team jackets, caps or Block Heater fur caps made by his loved daughter in law Samanthe. At family gatherings he was sure to sport his "Papa's Gang" sweatshirt just to make sure that everyone was there. He loved to entertain and WAS the life of the party, a quality that he came by honestly. At times it would often start in some type of costume such as Aunt Jemima, Raggedy Andy, Irish Leprechaun, Santa or Christmas Elf Costume, or his terry cloth skirt which was always a sight to see. He was a special and compassionate man, who even won the hearts of the palliative team that were involved in his care. They were amazed at his outlook, concern for others and the support from family and friends. For this we express our sincere gratitude for their compassion and support from Dr. Sicheri, Pam and the entire oncology team, N.P. Donald Hutchinson, Linda Roussel of CCAC, Roxanne and Anne Marie of VON; and his trusted pharmacist Marcie. For their expertise and understanding made this journey enlightening and manageable. It is not good enough to generalize as he always said you needed to name, names. Please join us for Prayers on Thursday, October 16th 7pm, Funeral Mass Friday October 17th at 1:30 pm both at St. Agnes Church, corner Mary and Brown Streets. The Celebration of life will follow at Knights of Columbus Centre on May Street. In honour of Wayne, the requirement is to sport one of his team colours at the celebration of life; he looks forward to everyone being a Packer, Habs or Blue Jay Fan for a day. Yes, even those Bruin fans. As he departed we could hear him sending a message to mom (Joan), "Though we're apart, you're part of me still. For you were my thrill on Blueberry Hill". And with a strong conviction, from the words of Frank Sinatra, "I did it my way", and to his parents, good friends and relatives that have gone before him, "Gonna take a sentimental journey, gonna set my heart at ease". "Good night dad, we know it is not good bye, we love you, will take care of mom, and needed to tell you that you are our Shining Star. In Lieu of flowers, donation can be made in memory to the Northern Cancer Foundation or St. Andrew's Dew Drop Inn. Our Shining Star Dad, we want you to know that all the Stars aren't really in the sky. Sometimes They speak and walk on earth because we've Known one in our time. Dad, you might never receive a real Reward for all you've done in life. You might not receive a medal. It seems to us you've lived your life not for what you could Get, but rather, you saw that Your loved ones needs were met. So, if that's the only Medal you ever wanted For reward, let us give One this day to our Very own star. In closing we would like to convey one of Dad's favourite quotes; "Life is for the living, Life has to go on." We can still hear his typical departing words, ADIOS MUCHACHOS OYSTA LA VISTA BABY, HAH, HAH, HAH. I LOVE YOU Wayne McCarthy will be remembered in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove. Annual dedication service Sunday, June 14, 2015. On-line Condolencesmay be sent towww.blakefuneralchapel.com "