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Wayne MACALPINE Obituary

MACALPINE, Wayne Kenneth It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Wayne Kenneth MacAlpine, 82 of Oakville, Ontario on November 26, 2020. Wayne will be lovingly remembered by his partner Stellina Bourke, his dear brother Glenn and sister-in-law Claire, his children Kim White (Tom), Brian MacAlpine (Christine), Kevin MacAlpine (Janet), Stellina's children Christine Lewis (Paul), Rob Bourke (Linda), David Bourke (Cindy) and Leslie Gorman (Patrick). Devoted Grampa/Poppa/Bubba to Anderson, Elliot (Eliza) and Liam White, Kaitlyn MacAlpine, Connor, Mara and Jack MacAlpine, Sidney and Riley Lewis, Thomas Bourke, Luke and Chase Bourke and Eddie, Matthew, and Charlie Gorman. Amazing Uncle Weiner to Allison and Karen Rothmel and Cameron, Mark and Andrew MacAlpine, Walter and Bob Duhamel and Kelly Fournier. Devoted husband of Claudia MacAlpine for 29 years and sister-in-law to Josephine. He was born in Winnipeg and raised in Kirkland Lake, ON, but moved to Toronto in his early twenties. Poor vision would scuttle his true dream of flying so he went to work in the airline industry having a long and successful career, retiring from Japan Airlines in 2001 having forged lifelong relationships with many colleagues throughout the world. We are grateful for sushi in Toronto and Wayne had a hand making this possible! He loved to travel visiting far flung locales for both business and pleasure, cherishing hockey road trips such as the Canada Russia Series in Moscow, many NHL games throughout North America and NCAA, GTHL and Oakville Minor Hockey games to watch his grandchildren in action. Wayne loved his connection to the North. In the early 1970's he founded the X-Kirkland Lake Hockey Club. This very talented and successful team, all with connections to Kirkland Lake played in hundreds of tournaments locally and around the world. On top of fun, the team also raised money for many good causes throughout the years. Most have hung up their skates, but they still meet regularly for monthly luncheons. Their last (pre-COVID) Christmas lunch had over 100 attendees – incredible! He marveled in the individual pursuits of his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends, taking photos and posing in many of them, often on his tippy toes. Always positive, Wayne was a genuinely kind and nice person, a quality much needed in todays world. He decided to be joyful, having a full life. He loved his family and his many, many friends who all adored him back. He loved a party! Wayne loved people and people loved him back. He will join his parents Kenneth and Marie MacAlpine, his big sister Elizabeth Rothmel, his niece Glenda MacAlpine-Henniger, and nephews Donald and Robert Rothmel and watch over us. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Alzheimer Society through Acclaim Health via interland3.donorperfect.net or H.O.L.D., 96 Sherwood Dr., Brantford, ON N3T 1N7, 519-753-5529 (dedicated people who cared for Wayne's nephew Bobby for close to 30 years). Because of his love for us all, there will be no funeral at this time, but we will have a celebration of his love when it is safe to do so as per his wishes.

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Published by Toronto Star on Dec. 1, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Wayne MACALPINE

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27 Entries

Gino Piccinin

February 9, 2021

I am saddened to read that Wayne MacAlpine has passed away and would like to offer my most sincere condolences to all his family.
I was reading today about the passing away of another hockey legend, Ralph Backstom and when I read that he came from Kirkland Lake it reminded me of Wayne. He mentioned Kirkland Lake many times when we would meet.
We were shipping meat by air to Japan in those days and that is how I met him. I have great memories of him calling me up ,saying he would be in Montreal in a few days and maybe we could go out for supper, naturally he would time the visit on a night the Canadians were playing so we would go to the game after supper.
We eventually made it to the 5th game of the Stanley Cup final in 93 when the Canadians last won the cup. A great memory.
One regret is not having the chance to go to Japan with him to follow the meat shipment we often talked about the possibility of doing thisbut unfortunately it didn’t happen.

I will always cherish the memory of my friend Wayne

Gary Croteau

January 8, 2021

I was saddened to learn that Wayne had passed away. Our paths had crossed severval times over 60 odd years. We were both raised in Kirkland Lake. His father Ken was a miner like my father. Both our families moved to Elliot Lake were we renewed our friendship. Over the years he visited Elliot Lake with Stellina (who I mistook for Claudia) and I learned he worked at Japan Air Lines. Each time I passed through Pearson I would call and he would join me for coffee. We talked hockey, hockey, Elliot Lake and Kirkland Lake. He loved life, it showed. The last time our paths crossed was at the KLCVI reunion of 2006. He had invited me to a breakfast with the Kirkland Lakers but it didn't happen. To Stellina, Glenn, Kim, Brian, Kevin and Claudia my deepest condolences. To Wayne who knows, maybe our paths will cross again. Gary Croteau

Georgia Scott

December 10, 2020

Wayne was a real beacon of light, a wonderful colleague and friend and an extraordinarily good, caring and fine gentleman, leaving a positive and lasting impression on everyone he came in contact with. So deeply saddened by his passing, with sincerest sympathy and condolences to Wayne’s family. He will remain unforgettable and dearly missed by many all over the globe. Rest In Peace, Wayne MacAlpine.

John Petino

December 10, 2020

Through Japan Air Lines Cargo I had the pleasure to work with Wayne many times. Most notable was his pioneering spirit and guidance to ship fresh bluefin tuna from PEI to Japan. TrueType one of the good guys, always pleasant, always with a smile. He is one of the few I will never forget from those days. Rest In Peace.

Fiona & Bob Gamble

December 8, 2020

I worked with Wayne at Japan Airlines. We were in different departments but he just loved to stop by and visit us when he had the opportunity. He was a lively guy who always made someone feel special. He had a knack of including everyone into his conversation. A few years after his cargo office in Toronto closed, Wayne thought it would be great if we could still get together on a regular basis about 2-4 times a year. He chose an Italian restaurant to meet in a central location of Toronto, always at 12:00 noon. This way there was never any confusion about the time or location. And so our JAL Alumni began, always planned by Wayne and we welcomed newcomers from other airlines, travel companies with open arms.

Wayne was such a special friend to us all and we will miss him so much. He extended his caring and support to anyone in our group who needed it. He was truly a gentleman and he kept us all together. We loved his smiles and stories, of which there were many.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Stellina and Wayne's family at this time, all of whom he was so very proud. There is a void in our lives that will never be filled, we do however, feel honoured to have known such a fine man.

Rest in peace Wayne, you will never be forgotten. Your kindness has been an example to us all.

Fiona (and Bob) Gamble

Ad & Brigitte Marco

December 7, 2020

Wayne, a man like no other. Kindness incorporated is how we will always remember him. Through his kindness we, not JAL past employees (I was ex-SAS&AF), were added to the luncheons he so diligently organized through the years. This we shall always remember as they embraced us in their group. A gentleman he was right to the end and are honoured to have crossed paths with him, Stellina and the amazing JAL family! His love for family and friends was abundant and so we thank him for having been in our life , albeit for too short a time.....He shall not be forgotten!!!
Brigitte & Ad Marco.

Derek Ho

December 6, 2020

I am sadden by the news of the passing of Wayne. I know Wayne as a great leader with a very successful career at Japan Airlines and very well respected in the airline industry. The most memorable story of his career was probably about how he introduced Canadian blue fin tuna to Japan. Sushi lovers would not miss the article covered by global and mail. Even after retirement, Wayne continued his leading role by connecting people to the ex-JAL community. He always displayed much care and kindness to people around him. I will miss you Wayne.

Stellina, Kim, Brian and Kevin...Please accept my deepest condolences.

Derek

Art Brown

December 6, 2020

Saddened to learn of Wayne’s passing. He was a good friend. I always enjoyed reminiscing with him re: stories of Northern Ontario and Elliot Lake and Kirkland Lake in particular. My sincere condolences to the MacAlpine families.

Lisa Duchesnay (& Joe Quinn)

December 6, 2020

A true gentle man, a rare force of nature who acted on his many pursuits with gusto and competence. He never tired of being the spoke in the wheel of multiple social gatherings, extending long meaningful friendships for all who deeply appreciated them for 50 years or more. He will be missed.

Wayne Coughlin

December 6, 2020

So sorry Glenn & family to hear of your brothers passing. He truly was a great gentleman & will be missed by many friends. My condolences also to Wayne's family.

Thomas Vincent

December 4, 2020

What a great guy. Loved our talks about the travel industry and hockey. He was one of the most 'solid guys' I have known.

René Rousseau

December 4, 2020

sorry to hear that, Glenn. my thoughts are going to you and your family.

Valerie (Murnaghan) Cummins

December 4, 2020

Sending condolences from the Murnaghan family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Thank you Wayne for being such a loyal friend to Dad for many, many years.

Brian and Gale Hamilton

December 4, 2020

To- Stellina, Kim,Brian,Kevin and Claudia
On that wonderful journey through life beginning when we were so young and continuing to where we are now as seniors if we are fortunate we make some
great and lasting friendships -some such as Wayne who have had a great influence and played an important part in our lives!
Wayne knew so many who were proud to call him a friend. His consideration, kindness and loyalty were so much appreciated by all.
His passing will always leave an emptiness in our lives.
Our sincere condolences to all in the MacAlpine and Bourke families and his many friends.
Brian and Gale

Joe Collins

December 3, 2020

Dear Glenn our prayers are with you and your whole family. Thinking of you Glenn.
Joe

Karen Rothmel

December 3, 2020

Kim, Brian, Kevin and your families, I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad, my dear Uncle, was stellar in every way. He always had a kind word, a funny story, and magical moments. He has done so much for my family, I wouldn't know where to begin. I will miss him. xo

George and Doreen Rocks

December 3, 2020

Stellina, Kevin, Brian and Kim, Wayne was an extraordinary person. A one of a kind. He was an example of what a person should be. We will miss him forever.

Glenn Macalpine

December 3, 2020

A sincere thank you to all of you for the beautiful tributes we have received. Wayne never wanted any recognition for his accomplishments, but as many of you had expressed he was the "glue" that kept all of our XKL friends together. For this we are forever grateful. Love you, brother.

Richard and Sharon Barron

December 3, 2020

Dear Kevin, Janet and family, May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. May he Rest In Peace. Richard and Sharon

Marguerite Lee

December 2, 2020

Wayne,

Not only that you were my mentor at work, but a very good friend as well.

Alex and I want to thank you for keeping the Toronto JAL family together for the past years; by organizing our luncheon meets which ; if I may speak for most of us, looked forward to, and cherished such occasions.

We will always remember your cheerful and positive attitude towards life.

You will always be in our hearts,


Marguerite, Alex Lee

Len Sparks Jr.

December 1, 2020

"Mr. MacAlpine" was not only a very close friend to my Dad but to our entire family. He was selfless ,very kind to everyone and always greeted you with a warm smile. He was a special person. I feel grateful and fortunate to have known him.
My condolences to Brian, Kevin, Kim and the entire family.

David Lecour

December 1, 2020

Very sad to hear about Wayne's passing. A great friend to our family and a true gentleman. Lots of wonderful memories with the XKL hockey team, Blue Jays games and family visits. Condolences to all of Wayne's family.

Andrew Hamilton

December 1, 2020

I was so saddened to hear of Wayne’s passing. He was such a great ambassador for Kirkland Lake and such an important friend to my dad and our family. So many great memories.
Deepest condolences to the families.
You will be missed, Wayne.
Taiwan on ;)

John Mackenzie

December 1, 2020

Played hockey with and against Wayne , Brian and Kevin for 20 plus years. Enjoyed his personality and outlook on family , life and friendships.
My thoughts are with you all.

Eleanor Ternent-Newton

December 1, 2020

My sincere condolences to all of Wayne's family and friends. He certainly a true friend and gentleman.

Ted Irvine

December 1, 2020

Wayne was a fine gentleman and a class act .I had the pleasure of assisting Wayne on a number of projects benefiting his home town of Kirkland Lake . He was a true Laker . He will be sadly missed by all that knew him . He certainly left his mark !

Judy (Cale) Gervais

December 1, 2020

So saddened to hear and read the passing of such a special person...he never forgot where he came from...as a long time friend to him and his Family he always made time to speak to me and ask about our Family when coming to Kirkland Lake and on a funny note, he would always that to me "I can't believe I used to babysit this girl"...Condolences to the Family at this very sad and difficult time....

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