Wayne Ellis

Our hearts are shattered to share Wayne Thomas Ellis passed away on October 9, 2024. Wayne passed with Jeremy by his side, with family and friends close and on the phone, and with angels from heaven present.
Wayne fought colon cancer for 10 months and never gave up the fight. Wayne is a fighter and inspired a countless number of family members, friends and medical staff through his journey.
Wayne had various passions in life which he shared with his family and friends. As an avid volleyball player, Wayne played on the Baldwin High School team, on club team in Limahana and in countless pick-up games. Wayne also loved watching and cheering for the University of Utah women's volleyball team. Wayne loved canoeing and participated in Paddle canoe for Na Kai Ewalu canoe club. In addition, Wayne took great pride in his cooking and saw it as a way to provide for his family and friends. He shared the secret ingredient to his famous potato salad was to "make it with love."
Wayne has the world's biggest heart and was all about his Ohana. He never passed judgement and always forgave. He was always there for his family and friends, and opened his home to them. Over the years, it's estimated about 70 people lived with him and Jeremy in their home.
Wayne leaves a legacy of Ohana. He leaves a legacy of love, acceptance, forgiveness, fun and strength. His last request to important members of his family was to keep the family together and to prioritize them.
Wayne was born on April 16, 1977 in Maui, HI. Wayne is survived by his loving soul mate of 19 years and husband of 8 years, Jeremy Cheney-Ellis and their four dogs (Shadow, Lulu, Moochi and Bella); his niece, Shaeanne Wallace-Ellis; his father, Louie Ellis; three brothers, Keoni Ellis, James Jardine and Robert Jardine; and many aunties, uncles and cousins.
Wayne is preceded in death by his ma, Shirley Jardine Ellis; and beloved dog, Chloe.
We'd like to thank the family and friends who traveled far and made sacrifices to be with Wayne during his last fight. It meant so much to him to have his Ohana close. We'd also like to thank the exceptional LVAD team, nurses, doctors, surgeons, and custodians who cared for Wayne in the ICU, in building four and across IMC. Wayne cared so much about his medical team and included them in his Ohana.
A celebration of Wayne's life will be held on:
Saturday November 23, 2024
from 5:00- 9:00 pm.
at Plum & Pine (6388 South Redwood Road SLC, UT 84123)
All are welcome.
Wayne will truly be missed by all who knew him and will forever live in our hearts.
As we remember and honor Wayne, his loved ones invite you to share your memories and pictures of him on the memorial page. These shared moments will serve as a testament to Wayne's life, a life beautifully lived and cherished by many. As Maya Angelou once said, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Let us remember how Wayne made us feel and keep those memories alive.