Condolences
Pam and Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Wayne's passing! I always enjoyed our fun banter, poking fun at eachother and having great laughs, mixed with a few serious conversations during my time with him at Trico.
So much love and hugs,
Courtney Hoyle
Dear Pam, I was so very sorry to hear that Wayne had died. As so many have already mentioned, he was such an incredible mentor, leader and even father figure for so many of us Wanakita alumni and, quite frankly, was a bit of a god to us as well because he seemed to be everywhere all at once and always knew exactly what we were up to! The absolute worst was being on the receiving end of a disappointed look from Perk so we always tried our best to avoid that. I will always be grateful for the numerous times both of you supported me and made a positive impact on my life. Thinking of you and all the wonderful memories I have of you both and celebrating a life so well lived. Brenda Hunt Couture
Dear Pam- Wayne was the first mentor I had in the nfp sector when I joined the YWCA. He was a faithful friend and partner from whom I learned a lot. When our son Gregg went to CCH and then worked at CCH , Paul and I were forever grateful for the learning and growth experiences he had. Wayne was a gifted leader and a wonderful man. So sorry for your loss. Jill Wyatt and Paul Lewis.
Dear Pam, I did enjoy my time hanging around the Perkins home, Wayne's smile and his energy and yours and his friendship,I'm fortunate in that. It is sad news, my prayers and condolences to you,Pam,and the family. Be blessed.
Tom Huston
Oh Pam,
Golly, I really don’t have the words to express all that Wayne and you have meant to me over my life. My thoughts and condolences go out to you and Mark, Jenny and Julie. I think I was the youngest camper one summer way back last century at Wanakita. Both you and Wayne helped to make me feel safe, enough to dig in, make friends and try new things. Later at Hector, as a new counselor Wayne set the bar high and helped me ‘get it’ . How to care for kids so they felt safe and seen and able to try new things - develop and grow. And later still while stepping into a leadership role; he was there with me. Either cheering me on or asking numerous questions to help me course correct! Lordy I loved him! What a mentor! He is missed. So much warmth your way Pam.
Love
Jill
Dear Pam and family,
Wayne will remain in our memory. And isn’t it true that we take our most vivid memories forward with us? What a good fellow Wayne was. It’s hard to not think of him when thinking about Camp Wakonda, YMCA, football, school days … And for the rest of us who are left to continue on, we can smile at the thought of Wayne and all those happy, vivid memories.
Much love, from an old friend,
Neil Garvie
Dear Pam,
We were saddened to hear of Wayne's passing. You and Wayne were two of the first neighbours Bob and I met on Finch and we remember Wayne as a warm and welcoming person and his love of Waskesiu and all its beauty was evident. Please accept our deepest sympathy and know our thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time.
Bob and Cathy Cyr
Marg and I wish to send our deepest sympathy to Pam, Mark, Julie and Jenny along with their spouses and children. You will be feeling a terrible sadness over your loss. May you find some comfort in knowing how very much Wayne has meant to so very many; in so many places and in so many ways.
Wayne was among my longest standing friends. We first met in a Sunday School class at Grace United Church. Later we played high school foottball against one another while we both served in the " Y Leader Corp"; first as Junior Leaders, then Intermediate and finally as Senior Leaders. Later, upon graduation from high school we both played for the Saskatoon Hilltop Football Club. We played on the "O" line together where he was also a great team leader, being selected as a team co-captain for the 1968 Dominion Championship team. Later, we coached post high school football as a way of "giving back" to the communities and sport we loved.
Wayne's lifetime athletic accomplishments are rarely equaled, driven by a tireless determination and boundless will.
Our lives connected in so many ways over the years, sharing countless hours golfing, camping, fishing, cooking beach breakfasts, visiting and playing with our families and grandchildren at the beaches of Waskesiu.
But it is not his athletic accomplishment or the shared experiences that move me most at this time; Wayne was simply among the finest Christian men I have ever known and I have always been proud to call him a friend. He always looked for and sought to bring out the best in everyone he encountered. He was always cheerful, hard working and honest. He reached out to others, particularly during the tough spots and his solid support served as a strong pillar for many, many people.
Pam and the Perkins family fully realize the rare jewel that Wayne was. We hope that his memory will help sustain you during this difficult time.
Dear Pam, thank you to you and Wayne for being such great mentors when I knew you at Wanakita in the 1970s. I remember playing football against Hillfield, Wayne was the visiting coach and shouted encouragement to me as I played on the opposing team. Blessings, Rob Graham
Dear Pam and family. My heart aches for you and for all of us who were moved by Perk. It’s hard to find the words to describe his greatness, his decency, and his humanity. He was my personal camp counselor when we did a tour of YMCA camps across the country as I had never been to a sleepover camp. On this tour we were joined by my ten year old son who eventually became a camper for life thanks to Perk. He was a guide to many, and helped me throughout my career especially in my national role. There’s so much I’ll miss about him, especially his energy and eager smile when he would get up early in the morning to do his favourite morning dip in the lake. I grieve with you.
Bob Richards: Pam and family. My condolences. Wayne was director my final summer (1974) at Wanakita. My clearest memory was of him sitting by the canoeing area fence observing and taking notes, no doubt laying the groundwork for his vision for the future of the camp. I also recall him insisting that my outtripping section report that summer include detailed stats on camper nights, etc., not just “broad strokes”. His rise within the Y organization was no surprise. On a more personal note, I remember seeing Wayne the morning after Mark was born. He’d just returned from the hospital and was absolutely giddy. He’ll be missed..
Oh, Pam, my heartfelt condolences. You were such a formidable pair, I know you will miss him dearly. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to be supported, mentored and advised by you both.
To Mark, Jenny and Julie, thanks for sharing your Dad with so many of us.
Dear Pam:
I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family as you grieve Wayne’s passing. I have so many wonderful memories of traveling with you and Wayne on our Metro 30 trips, and I will always cherish those times. Wayne brought so much joy and fun to every adventure, and I will always remember him with warmth and gratitude.
Franca
YMCA Canada
Pam and family, I am so very sorry for your loss.
Sheila Gagne
Pam and family, so sorry to learn of Wayne's passing. Many great memories from our days at Camp Wakonda at Wakaw Lake.
Thinking of you.
Don Pringle
Dear Pam and Family,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Wayne's passing. I had the privilege of knowing Perk throughout my YMCA journey—as a camper, staff, and later as a colleague. His encouragement and belief in my potential were instrumental in shaping my path. I am a better CEO at the YMCA because of Perk and he is missed by many throughout the YMCA movement.
With heartfelt condolences,
Brian Posavad
(Wanakita Camper a long time ago!)
Dear Pam and family! I am deeply sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. He was such an amazing man. He was full of so much positive energy. My heart goes out to you! Marg Gauley
My sincere condolences to Pam and Mark. From the time I was a camper at Wanakita I knew Perk was in my corner. I recall his pep talk at the office after an injury on an overnight as a camper…followed by many other supportive words and guidance when I was on staff, despite some crazy antics with other JC girls! What a positive impact he had on so many people!
My condolences to Pam, Mark and the entire family at this time. I knew Wayne through Wanakita. As was the practice at the time, anyone interested in being a second year student councilor needed to be interviewed - a role that Wayne did. I remember being nervous going in (my first real interview!), but Wayne put me at ease. He also gave me the opportunity to be a second year SC, and I was so fortunate to participate in the program and continue as a staff member. His passion and dedication to camping and youth were impressed on me. Thank you, Wayne, for all you did at Wanakita, Hector, the Calgary Y and the Canadian Y.
I met Wayne when Y Calgary turned 100 and I was trusted with leading the anniversary Y100 Program. I was working under Jill J., but Wayne also kept a very close eye on the Y100 programs progress, and I am grateful for all his guidance and trust. Wayne was a very powerful man yet also kind and compassionate. He inspired us all and I have no doubt the YMCA, Y Calgary and Camp Chief Hector are all immensely better off because of his contributions. My condolences to his family, friends, the YMCA community and all those he impacted (I know this is a broad statement, but I feel it’s appropriate when referring ‘the’ Wayne Perkins).
Wayne hired me in 1977 to work as a Junior Counsellor ...what an experience it was.. Thanks Wayne
Dear Pam and family,
On behalf of the entire Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School, I extend our condolences on the passing of Wayne. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sincerely,
Carol Grant-Watt
Head of School