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John Wayne Daniels

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John Wayne Daniels
Mr. John Wayne Daniels (Wayner), age 66 years, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully on Saturday, October 16, 2021 in Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, surrounded by the love of his family.

John, or Wayne as he was known to his family, was born in Fort William on December 10, 1954. Wayne became interested in electronics at an early age and it continued on throughout his years. He was educated locally and received a Presidents Medal in 1975 when he graduated with honours and with a 4.0 GPA. He worked for many years at Resolute, working his way up to becoming the Electrical and Control Maintenance Supervisor in the Kraft Mill. He retired from this position at the age of 58 after 38 years of working full time at the paper mill. 

Wayne met the love of his life Debby Buchowsky when she was 18 and he was 21. They spent 2 years together before Wayne proposed. They were married on June 17, 1978 and began their lives together. In 1979 their family grew and they welcomed their first child, a daughter, Kristy and then a son, Justin in 1984. They started to build their forever home early in 1989 and moved in on their anniversary on June 17, 1989. They loved their children and the life they were living.

Wayne spent many years hunting out at Dog River, Hawkshaw and Black Sturgeon with son Justin and father-in-law Harold (Hank) as well as his brothers in law Donald and Darryl and friend Randy. For quite a few years, Wayne and Deb enjoyed camping and fishing out at Nonwatin with young Kristy and Justin in tow, as well as friends Randy and Lee with their girls Kaity and Cassi. Wayne was also introduced to The Good Times Fish Hunt by Randy. They went for many years out to Nelson Lake where he made many friends and I’m sure had some Good Times. They also spent some time camping out at Cloud Lake at their trailer for quite a few years with friends who camped out there as well. Family day trips and grandkids birthday parties were also held out there.

Wayne and Deb spent many weekends away on hockey tournaments for Justin, and then later for their oldest grandson Seth. If they weren’t away for hockey, they would spend their time in the arenas for home games. Wayne was always keeping busy. Always doing something, always helping someone. He was a very hard worker throughout his years. Whether it was tinkering in the garage, working on home renos, or helping the kids. He often enjoyed taking a break to crack a beer and would do a little bird watching off the deck and always kept an eye out for hummingbirds.

As time went on, Wayne and Deb became best friends and did everything together. They were in a really good spot in their lives and were able to relax and enjoy their life together. They cheered on their team the Toronto Maple Leafs at home, they enjoyed going to the casino and spent time with family and friends. They watched as their grandkids grew, and that is when Wayne became a big teddy bear. He loved watching them play in the yard and riding around on the riding mower with them. Always sneaking them little treats and snacks. He truly loved and cherished his family and friends.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 43 years, Debby; children Kristy (Neal) and Justin (Jenna); grandchildren Seth, Jersey, Ryder, Jack, Gracie, Jensen and step grandchildren Miley and Kiera. Siblings Jeanette Oja (Eldon), Betty Shaw (Wayne), Brian Daniels (Sharon), David Daniels, Brenda Veneruzzo (Louie), and Robert Daniels, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives also survive.

He was predeceased by his Father John Daniels in 1997, Mother Veronica Daniels (nee Buchik) in 2017 ; infant brother Terry Daniels in 1954 as well as niece Jasmine Veneruzzo in 2008.

Wayne’s family would also like to send a special thanks to Dr. Ahmed, Dr. Stallwood, Dr. Miller, Dr. Simpson and Dr. Brown and the wonderful nursing staff in the ICU department at TBRHSC. You made our family feel comfortable and were very compassionate during this difficult time. We would also like to send a very big special thank you to my niece Erin Rooke (nee Buchowsky) for all your help and support.

Visitation to celebrate Wayne's life will be held on Monday, October 25, 2021 from 1:00pm until 3:00pm in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street (at James), Thunder Bay.

As directed by the Province of Ontario and the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, COVID protocols are still being applied in group settings. A record of attendance must be maintained, wearing of masks or face coverings by everyone and maintaining social distancing of 6 feet is mandatory for those attending the visitation.

Should friends so desire, donations made in memory of John Wayne Daniels to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated.



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