It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our father, Leslie Wayne Carefoot, known as Wayne, on Wednesday March 29, 2023 in his 74^th year.

Left to mourn his loss are his 2 children, Daughter Tehara Bertram (David Poitras) and Son Mitchell Carefoot of Vernon, BC, his grand daughter Elaine Frances Bertram Gould (Carl Gould) of Vernon BC, his four (4) sisters Sheila Fabrick in Yorkton SK, Lynne Reddekop in Calgary, AB, Gayle Maksysytz (Casmer Maksymytz_ of Humbolt SK and Debbie Poupart (Rob Poupart) of Fernie BC, their children and grandchildren.  He is predeceased by his Mother Jean Sarah May Bird (Carefoot) and Father, Leslie Vernon Carefoot.

Wayne was born in Swift Current Saskatchewan in 1948 and was raised on the family farm with his parents, and later moved to Blairmore AB.

In high school he enjoyed sports, particularly running, Track & Field and volleyball. His sister Gayle recalled he often would wear his ribbons on his chest with pride. He still has these ribbons and some trophies today. We found newspaper articles noting his times on track & field races and a letter from a former track star congratulating Wayne on beating his time on that same race – Wayne had beat his prior time to become the new 1^st place runner.

He moved to Calgary AB and later got married to our Mother, Margaret “Marge” Mary Maksymytz and moved to Calgary. Wayne had met a friend on the oil rigs and been to Vernon BC and enjoyed the smaller town feel so moved his family to Vernon BC in 1988. Shortly after they divorced and Marge passed away in Nov 2018.

He loved to play cards and one day in the Casino, met the lovely Patricia Ann Stacey. They married in 1989 and bought a home where he enjoyed working in the yard, they raised Koi fish, enjoyed fishing and camping together. The later divorced and she still resides in Vernon BC, with her son Thomas, his wife and kids in Cochrane AB. Thank you Pat for your help in writing this and sharing some good stories about you two.

He liked playing cards, especially Kanasta with local friends.  He was always jovial and willing to lend a hand. He loved to work with his hands and helped to build some homes in the area.

He worked in the oil and gas industry in various positions, had worked on some international rigs for awhile, but mostly as a driller in northern BC and AB until his retirement.

With so much time on his hands, he helped his daughter renovated, and housesat for neighbours.

He was a kind, gentle and funny man who touched the hearts of many people near or far, even made an impact on our friends. He will be missed dearly and fondly remembered.

He wanted to be cremated and his ashes spread on the side of the road (yes, that’s what he said). There will be no service as he wouldn’t want to be fussed over. His daughter might have a small back yard gathering in a few weeks time when the grass is greener and the weather is warmer.

Condolences may be sent to his daughters residence or the Pleasant Valley Funeral Home at 4303 Pleasant Valley Rd, Vernon BC V1T 4M4 or at this link: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/11231092