It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Wayne Stanley Little on May 20, 2021. Devoted husband to Elise, his high school sweetheart, they were married on September 2, 1983.
Wayne was born to the late Margaret Ellen (nee Nagle) and William (Bill) Howard Little, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, October 18, 1957. He is survived by his loving brothers Ken (Teresa), Doug (Susan), Pat, Jim (Katherine), and Dan (Christine), He was uncle to Nathan (Brandi), Rory (Holly), Brodie (Erika), Nadine (Mark), Elizabeth (Dave), Eric (Courtney), Nicole (Braden), Kate (Tanner), and Will and great-uncle to Gavin, McKenzie, Sadie, Aiden, Owen, Oriana, Tamsyn, and Willie. Wayne is also lovingly remembered by his sister-in-law Margot (nee Wickson) Briggs and brother-in-law Geoff Briggs, his niece Nina Briggs, and his niece and goddaughter, Gillian Briggs (Macoy). Wayne was a proud uncle and staunch supporter of his nephews and nieces and their activities, attending their games, matches, dance recitals, school plays and music concerts.
Wayne graduated from Oak Bay High School and then the University of Victoria. He began his career in real estate with Camosun Real Estate, and then he joined the federal public service working for the Canada Revenue Agency in Victoria. He became a Union Activist in the early 1990’s and held several executive positions including local President and Regional Vice-President of the Union of Taxation Employees. Throughout his career he advocated on behalf of his members, dedicated as he was to labour equity and solidarity.
Growing up in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Wayne took an early interest in both hockey and golf. He was good at both but chose golf after he started playing the game at the Saskatoon Golf and Country Club. When Wayne’s family moved to Victoria, BC in 1970 he joined the Uplands Golf Club and he remained a life long member. Over the years Wayne went on to win four club championships there, along with many other tournaments, but he always enjoyed playing a round with friends best. Living on the west coast, Wayne also enjoyed boating and fishing, and he looked forward to his annual fishing trips with friends up island each summer, along with sharing his catch of salmon and halibut, and cooking it, for friends and family.
Wayne especially loved spending time in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Pequeño, as he is known there, and Elise took every opportunity to visit their home away from home, spending countless happy hours there over the years, together, and with family and friends.
One of Wayne’s greatest attributes was forging tight-knit and life-long friendships with family and friends. His compassion and kindness, loyalty, generous spirit, sense of fun and sense of humour, and his deep, abiding love for his family and friends will never be forgotten. Wayne will be greatly missed and dearly remembered.
A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers Wayne would ask that you make each other happy.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
-
Peter Nicholson
-
Lawrence (Larry) Forbes I am sorry to hear about Wayne. I knew him mostly in high school, and for a few years after when I ran a little with the ‘golf gang’ (himself, McLeod, Amon, ‘Wopper’, Grant, Ware, Haskell, & others). I can’t say we were pals, but during the interactions I had with him at school, and at parties after we all graduated, he was always forthright and honest. I’d get into it with him sometimes, and he always knew how (& when) to call me on my BS, which I’m sure was running rampant at the time. I guess it was his authenticity that stood out for me then, and does now, looking back. The other thing that stands out was his love for Elise (& hers for him). Even at that young age I realized, as did most, that they were soul mates. Watching them interact was at times entertaining, but always encouraging/inspiring. I offer sincere condolences to Elise and all of Waynes’ extended family. He was a good man.
-
Eylin Gilbart and Bob Webb Dear Elise and family
I was truly sorry to hear of Wayne’s recent passing. Our heartfelt condolences and hugs to you all.
-
Ed Gschiel My sincere condolences to Wayne’s family. It was a pleasure to have worked with Wayne for 29 years. He would do anything for you and always thinking of others before himself. I will always be grateful for all the time and effort he gave when I was WFA’d. More so, Wayne was a good friend who enjoyed having a good time, whether it was at a work luncheon, drinks after work, or vacationing down in Mexico. You will truly be missed my friend
-
elaine h kohlbrenner HI ELISE, SORRY TO HEAR THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE, BEST FRIEND, BEST BUDDY LEFT US SO SOON!! HIS BROTHERS AND I TAUGHT HIM TO PLAY HOCKEY AND GOLF AND KICKED HIS BUTT TILL HE MOVED TO VIC AND KICKED EVERYBODY’S BUTT!!!! WAYNE, SEE YA SOON ROCK STAR!! LOVE YA BABE!!! MORGAN SHANE EL ERIC!!!
-
Richard and Sandra Hunt Elise and Family
Richard and I were so sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. Sending our deepest condolences to you at this sad time. You are in our thoughts.
-
Barb Clemens Elise and the Little family, we are so sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. Wayne was obviously well loved and the memories that were made with him, will live on, in all that knew and loved him. We are sending our sincere condolences to you all. Barb and Frank Clemens ( Susan’s sister)
-
Sharon Hickey My condolences to Elise, the Little family and those close to Wayne.
Rest in Peace
Sharon
-
David McCall My condolences to Elise and family and his friends. He was one of the best. I know he will be greatly missed. Till we meet again at the Great Golf Course in the sky. D.
-
Harry Hitchman My condolences to you Elise. I was shocked and saddened to hear of Wayne’s passing, much too soon. I met Wayne & his brother Pat as junior members at Victoria Golf Club in the early 1970’s, and enjoyed quite a few rounds together. We hooked up again at UVic, and I spent quite a few weekend nights at the Uplands GC bar with Wayne, Elise, Rims, Dave Amon and a few other characters. Rest in peace old friend.
-
Kathy/Elmer Mohninger Elise, our heartfelt condolences to you and all the family. Wayne will be missed by so many. What a legacy. Just know our thoughts are with everyone at this time.
Kathy and Elmer Mohninger
-
Dean Stokes Elise and family
My sincere condolences in hearing of Wayne’s passing.
I had the privilege of playing a lot of golf with Wayne.
I learned many things from him that made me a better player.
He was one of the best short game players and putters at Uplands Golf Course.
He was a very sincere and kind man. We had many great conversations on and off the golf course.
Wayne, I will miss you dearly.
Rest In Peace and Union brothers forever.
Dean Stokes
-
Anne Stock I am so very sorry to hear this sad news, Elise, please accept my sincere condolences. Wayne was a great fellow and loved by so many people, he will be sadly missed.
Anne Stock, Gig Harbor, Wa.
-
Peter Norton Wayne our Saturday group will never be the same. Elise, our thoughts and prayers are with you. A great player and an even better friend. I miss you so much my friend, but I’ll see you on the other side brother. Cheers mate Pedro
-
Melanie Willmore I am so very sorry to learn of Wayne’s passing and wish to offer my deepest sympathies to Elise and family. It has been very many years since I saw Wayne but I remember his laughter and infectious humour with great fondness. My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.
-
Edwina Wayne was a guy with many patience. He trained me at work on registration… a few times. He never forgot us when he went to Mexico, the office always had bags of delicious m chocolate and caramel candy. And I’ll cherish my P. V. margarita glasses even more now. Cheers, my friend. xo
-
Deborah Smith My sincerest & heartfelt sympathies to all of Wayne’s family & friends. The true measure of a man is in the lives he’s touched and not measured by what he’s done for himself, but by what he does for others. It was a pleasure to have known & worked with him. He will be dearly missed!
-
David Knowles Condolences to all the Little family. Great person and Union man. Was fortunate to have dinner with him here in Ottawa a few years back. Requisite en Pace my friend
-
Craig Olson Dear Elise and family,
All our hearts are broken over the loss of Wayne. Wayne was the best friend a person could ever have. We shared so many fantastic experiences together including fishing, golfing and just hanging out. Wayne is deeply missed by our staff at the Strathcona Hotel and many tears have been shed. Elise gave Wayne the wonderful gift of coming down to my home in Australia for his 50th Birthday. In the short time he was there he made many friends and many of these people have asked me to send best wishes to Elise.
I started playing golf with Wayne in 1980 and although I was not very good, he had the patience to play with me and help me learn. We won the Easter tournament at Uplands twice and once we were low net and gross. He was a wonderful player with the best short game around…a fact that is never disputed. Twice I saw him make seven birdies on the back nine alone at both Uplands and Victoria G.C. We were playing with my Dad at Victoria and he had never seen anything like it! He called him Wayne Baby and enjoyed his company very much.
My life will never be the same without you Wayne! I miss you and look forward to playing the big course with you one day.
Rest in Peace my friend.Craig Olson
-
Richard Fast My deepest condolences for your loss. He was an incredibly kind and generous man and will be forever grateful for arranging for Liam (my son) and I, to meet members of the Seahawks after their Superbowl win with the championship trophy. Liam, Keira, Maureen and myself are sending our love, support and sincere condolences during these difficult times.
-
Garry Fraser My deepest condolences for your loss of Wayne, he will be remembered for his warm smile, his welcoming gesture and his engaging laughter. He lit up the room, a shining light.
Garry Fraser
-
Shane OBrien My sincerest condolences on Wayne’s passing. I will miss him terribly but will hold dear the fond memories of many wonderful days and nights spent with Wayne in many cities throughout Canada and in Mexico. He may have left us for now, but will never be forgotten.
-
Doug Gaetz My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. My sincere condolences to all. I considered Wayne a life long friend. I will miss him.
-
Marla Howie My heartfelt condolences to the family. Wayne was one of kind and helped me many times in my career with the federal government.
Rest in peace my friend
-
Denise McPherson Wayne will be sadly missed.. always a great, funny and helpful guy. It was pleasure to have known and worked with him my condolences to all of his family. So sad
-
Dave Jackson Wayne, you are missed by all very much. Debbie and I have such great memories of dinners with Elise and you. New Years’ Eve get-togethers were also a regular part of our lives. Our fishing trips were second to none as was the work we did on behalf of union members. PV will never be the same without seeing you chatting up the characters around the pier. Save a sunny spot under the palapa for us. Rest in peace Brother.
-
David Amon To Elise and the entire Little Clan my deepest sympathies My thoughts and prayers are with you all in your time of refection. As I look back on my youth in Victoria Wayne was one of my greatest friends, Nooo my” best” friend. Wayne , indeed was generous, funny and loyal which is why he had so many friends. We were both prairie boys Wayne from
Saskatoon and me from Regina. We booth had been uprooted as young teenagers by our parents and moved to
Beautiful Victoria where we met at Oak Bay Jr. High and found common love for the great game of golf ,both joining Uplands shortly after our families settled in Oak Bay.
Oh the stories Wayne and I could share about our adolescent and growing up as young men. All grounded of course by our love for the game of golf. Our friendship grew on the golf course and off. We spent countless hours playing practicing and competing together and as we became of legal drinking age spent countless hours playing Lambsie and watching football in the 19th hole. Of course Elise was part of those cherished years as well. I thank Elise for sharing Wayne with me because we were so close. I was Wayne’s Best man on Elise’s special day and he being my Best man at my 1st wedding! There was never a question of who would stand by each on those special dates.
As we both graduated from
U Vic and chose our careers paths we ended up regrettably
Slowly growing apart. I divorced in 85 and took a promotion with Sears moving to Toronto..
The miles and years of raising a family took it’s toll on our bond and we eventually turned the page on
those incredible years. As i write this I keep smiling and tearing up because there were so many great times spent together.
Farewell my “ Best” friend. you will always be in my thoughts and until we meet again at the bar in heaven where we can once again be together a best budds
Love
David Amon
This is a total shock. I Googled his name to see if he was still in Victoria and saw his death notice. I was unaware of this news and I am really saddened by it. I was a teacher in Saskatoon and very fortunate to have Wayne, Pat and Doug in my classes for a few years. They were all great kids and I know that they became wonderful and contributing members of society. To all his family members, please accept my sincerest condolences on your loss. To Doug and Pat, please know that I am now thinking of you and hoping that your memories of your brother give you some comfort with this tragic loss. I am still in Victoria and would love to hear from you. Rest In Peace Wayne. You were one of the good ones.
Peter Nicholson