Wayne Neville COLLETT

01/08/1941 - 03/20/2024

COLLETT, Wayne Neville
January 8, 1941 - March 20, 2024

With profound sadness, we announce that our loving husband, father & grandfather, Wayne Neville Collett passed away on Wednesday, March 20th at the North Shore Hospice, surrounded by his cherished family and Schnoodle, Rumi, after a short but valiant battle with a rapidly invasive esophageal cancer. He leaves behind his beloved family, the loves of his life - (Catherine) Kim, wife of 57 years, daughters Elisabeth Collett and Meghan Menning, granddaughters Mylie and Kaiya Menning and Rob, their loving father, b-i-l John (Maureen) Maclachlan - and the extended family. Predeceased by parents H. Neville Collett and Janet Marie Collett and infant granddaughter Brianna Collett Oble.

Born in Regina, after Grade One Wayne grew up in Nelson and Grand Forks - a childhood filled with nearby forests and lakes, ripe for embracing and exploring nature and boys' games and dreams with his friends. A B.Comm. ('63) from UBC was followed by his Chartered Accountant designation ('65) (Peat Marwick Mitchell). On grad, he promptly joined RoyNat Ltd. where, over 14 years, he moved from Investment Officer to Asst. Manager, BC, on to Manager, London, Ontario, then back as Manager, BC, thence to Montreal as Treasurer for six-plus years.

In 1979, he returned to Vancouver as Treasurer, Westcoast Transmission/Energy, then Director, Regulatory Affairs and Rates, and lastly as V.P. & Comptroller, Westcoast Power. Wayne enjoyed the world of Finance and his long association with Financial Executives Institute.

Wayne's first love was his home and family. A 44-year resident of North Vancouver, he reveled at the local nature. Passions placed downhill skiing at the top of the list, enjoying five years post-retirement as a Whistler Mountain Host volunteer. RV-ing from Alaska to the Mexican border, from the West Coast beaches to the Rockies to the desert, Wayne loved the outdoors, including hiking with friends, family and dog, biking, camping, sailing - locally, with neighbours, around Vancouver Island with 3 friends, and ½ way to Alaska - rollerblading, and long walks, squash and badminton in his younger days, watching Formula One, Indy and NASCAR racing, his winemaking (starting in a Kits beach apartment closet) and reluctantly playing bridge from day one with Kim and their buddies. Wayne loved the details of the news and of what made things work, awe-inspiring views, the parties he and Kim threw, and his privacy.

On their first trip outside BC since Covid, from August into October, Wayne and Kim treasured the wonders of Iceland and the beaches of Spain and spots in between cruising blissfully unaware of the rampant cancer inside - a true gift to both.

Thanks to BC Cancer Agency's quick response and to Lions Gate Hospital ER, Surgical, and Palliative & Hospice Care teams - their caring efficiency and dedication were superb: Dr. Lakha and Dr. Fowler beyond superstars.

A small private memorial gathering will be held to honour Wayne's life and remember his passions and loves.

In lieu of flowers, "In Memory" donations for Wayne may be made to Lions Gate Hospital Foundation/Hospice at https://lghfoundation.com/tributes/wayne-collett or to the BC Cancer Foundation, or the Charity of Your Choice.