Allan, Wayne Stuart. Died quietly at Emmanuel House, Hamilton on March 28 2018, from pancreatic cancer. Beloved husband and companion of Sheila Russell, who was with him at the end. Dear stepfather of Geoffrey Walton and stepfather-in law of Treasa Levasseur, who supported him lovingly throughout his illness. Predeceased by parents Aldon and Carol Allan, by dear sister Judy and brother-in-law Brian, by brother–in-law Nigel Russell, and nephew Garrett Russell. Sadly missed by brother and sister–in-law Pat and Doug McDonell, Alan, Jackie and Thomas McDonell, and Linda and Gareth Clemo, as well as sister-in-law Lesley Russell and brother–in-law Eugene Ladniak, niece Kate Lambacher (Chris), nephew Chris Ladniak (Tara) and much-loved children Amara and Ben Lambacher and Connor, Avery and Jacob Ladniak, as well as nephew Duncan Russell, and dear godsons Eamon and Hugh Kelly.
Born in Brantford on October 9, 1941, Wayne studied philosophy at Western and McMaster Universities, then taught literature at Mohawk College for over 25 years, a job he loved. At the same time, he pursued his love of art with studies in sculpture, printmaking, collage and other media at Mohawk College, McMaster University, Dundas Valley School of Art, and elsewhere. He had many exhibitions of his work in the Hamilton area and was a member of the Carnegie Gallery in Dundas. His life was informed by every kind of human expression: visual art, literature, music, film, and dance.
Wayne was active in the life of St. James Anglican Church, Dundas, loved to assist with the Taizé prayer at St. Paul’s Westdale and served as an assessor at ACPO conferences. He was a deeply spiritual man, attending many courses, retreats and workshops on meditation, psychology, spiritual life and the arts. People were drawn to him for his wit, generosity, and thoughtfulness, and he loved his many friends.
Sheila is grateful for the kindness and support of family, friends and neighbours during Wayne’s illness. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Juravinski Surgical Oncology Department, Bertram Place, the Palliative Care Team, and Emmanuel House.
A visitation will be held at St. James Anglican Church on Wednesday April 4 from 1-2 pm before a funeral service at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to St. James Anglican Church or Good Shepherd Ministries.
We are sad to learn that Wayne was sick and passed away recently. Our dad, who passed away in 1999 was Wayne’s cousin. In the handful of times that we had conversations with Wayne, he left a lasting impression. He was a very pleasant individual with a serene calmness about him. We will remember him fondly.
On behalf my family, we send our sincere condolences to Sheila and their family, as well as to those close to him.
Sincerely Jennifer (Allan) Plevritis, Pamela & Leslie Allan-Leeson
My deepest condolences to Sheila and family on the loss of Wayne. Big hugs from Owen Sound, from Wayne’s cousin, Leslie Allan
We are saddened to hear of Wayne’s death and send you hugs and love. Wayne was a gentleman and a gentle man.
Much love to you from us. I am here if you need to talk.
So sad to hear that Wayne has passed away. I have many great childhood memories of him visiting on the farm. He was a wonderful, kind person and I am very proud to call him my cousin. Deepest condolences to Shelia and family.
Pat Jarrett-Sterczer.
Sincere condolences to Sheila and family. Wayne had considerable influence on my life as mentor in art and as a supportive friend. Christine and I will dearly miss him
Our condolences to Wayne’s family on such a loss. We knew Wayne as young children growing up. Wayne and our dad taught together at Saltfleet High School in Stoney Creek before they both moved onto Mohawk College.
My sisters and I have many fun childhood memories of Wayne.
My deep condolences to the entire family. Wayne was a very special art friend and colleague, to me and many others in the Dundas arts community. He made beautiful work that reflected his profound engagement with spiritual and philosophical issues. He was also always supportive of other artists and unfailingly friendly and kind. I will miss him very much, as I know will many other artists who knew and respected him and his wonderful work.
With sympathy, Jody Joseph
A brave, thoughtful and caring colleague….
We are laid asleep
In body, and become a living soul:
While with an eye made quiet by the power
Of harmony, and the deep power of joy,
We see into the life of things.
(Wordsworth)
Of Wayne there is no ill that could be said of him. No higher praise can be bestowed on anyone.
We were saddened when we learned of his affliction from which there was only one outcome. He is at peace now.
Our sincere condolences to Sheila and the family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ron & Addie Habros and family
April , 2018
Dearest Sheila and Family,
We are heart-broken that Wayne is gone. He was a true friend, honest and generous. He had charm, integrity, wit and wisdom in abundance. We can’t think of any great quality that he did not possess. We have so many wonderful memories of him which we know we will never forget. We send our condolences and lasting love to you, Sheila, and to Geoffrey and Treasa. We loved Wayne very much and will always miss him.
Sharon FitzSimon and Gerard Dion
Wayne was a creative, kind and thoughtful person and a wonderful friend – I will miss him very much.
For Wayne’s Family, With gracious regard for your loss as you remember Wayne with love. Thank you for sharing him with us. Respectfully, Gaye Yachetti (Mohawk College)
In each of our lives there are only a few people that we can refer to as “one of our favourites ” but for me Wayne was at the top of that list. Our visits at the gallery were infrequent but very memorable. I will miss the reading suggestions (and occasional book), movie reviews and just general conversation. My life is richer for having known Wayne. My condolences to Sheila.
Rest in peace my friend
Wayne was a kind and caring man, and an engaged and empathetic neighbour. We were always happy to see him on his regular walks down Park Street, on his way to shop locally or see the new show at the Carnegie. Wayne always stopped to chat, and it was always an interesting conversation. He will be truly missed as a neighbour and as a friend. Our hearts go out to Sheila and family on the loss of a truly great individual. With a hug, Brian and Rashne Baetz
Wayne was a genuinely thoughtful and kind man. I will miss our conversations about art, film and family; his wit and intelligence; his spiritual warmth. Be at peace.
Sheila,
I fondly remember a lovely afternoon spent in your backyard visiting with all of the Russell family. We viewed Wayne’s beautiful art work & I so loved being in your cozy home. I instantly embraced Wayne’s delightful sense of humor, his warmth, creativity and intelligence. I still make a chicken curry salad recipe that you shared with me that day, this recipe has always held great memories that will now be even more cherished.
I love the thought of Nigel, Garrett, your mom , Hamish and now Wayne with all of his loved ones that have passed before gathered together telling stories, laughing and sharing wonderful music together.
Our hearts hold you close as you embrace this huge loss, while embracing the greatest of all gifts this wonderful life brings us; the eternal bond that Love holds…beyond deaths grasp, holding the ultimate blessing of being reunited again with those we Love in eternity.
Much Love – Katherine, Stan and Duncan
Wayne was a cousin that I spoke with only once or twice. However, he made me feel that he was genuinely interested in getting to know me better. He had a gift that made everyone feel special around him. His Aunt Barbara, my mother, father and brothers send our love and condolences from Montreal.
Our sincerest condolences to Sheila and family. Jeff and I were very saddened to hear of Wayne’s passing. We hope his family is comforted by remembering his life and his contributions to this world. He will be missed.
Susan and Jeff Swayze
Dear Geoffrey, Treasa and Sheila, Eamon, Hugh, Claire and Owen
Our deepest condolences to you all. We fondly remember Wayne at Kelly family events. A wise gentleman with a great sense of humour. Always interesting and interested.
With sympathy.
Birgit and John Hamilton
Sheila, Geoffrey and family
With deepest sympathy
Wayne was in irreplaceable friend, a friendship that began in 1968 when Wayne and Dan began teaching at the Dundurn location of Mohawk College, through summers at neighbouring cottages on Colpoy Bay, and Saturday night dinners at our homes. One of our childrens’ memories is of being wakened by the laughter of the four of us in the downstairs living room, also the Tooth Monster series Wayne created–a continuing illustrated story about the loss of our children’s baby teeth. So many wonderful talks over the years about books and films and gardening and life, Wayne’s art in every room of our home. We will never stop missing Wayne, and our hearts go out to Sheila and Geoffrey and Treasa as well as to Wayne and Sheila’s extended families.
Wayne was a frequent visitor to James North Studio Gallery which my wife, Colleen and I operated from 2005 until 2012. Wayne was an engaging individual who was always generous with his time, his wit and his obvious love of art.
The two pieces of Wayne’s work that we have in our home are a constant reminder of Wayne’s deep spiritual beliefs that are clearly expressed in his work. Jim Chambers & Colleen O’Reilly
Wayne was a courageous artist and kind and generous person. I will always think of him as a seeker. He never sought the limelight and his art was a natural growth of his journey to deepen his insights on inner truths. The scarred and imperfect figures he created seem to embody the journey itself – pilgrims if you will. . They look elsewhere, are textured and formed bearing the scars of experience, yearning and vulnerability .
Wayne was a mentor to me. I treasure the moments of our rich times sharing studio visits and reflecting on artistic and spiritual matters. He guided me to many great books and sources that continue to enriched my life.
Wayne’s life needs to be celebrated -. For his art, his humanity and the goodness and compassion he touched us with and, above all, for the light of his presence.
My thoughts are with Sheila and all his other friends who will deeply miss him
Catherine Gibbon
I remember Wayne from our first encounter in intaglio class at McMaster University in the early 1980’s. He was of course much more learned and experienced than the rest of us were at that time. Wayne was never condescending and he was always genuinely interested in everyone’s artistic pursuits. Years later, my family and I moved to Dundas where Wayne also happened to live just down the street. We had numerous encounters in front of my house and lively conversations over that 20 year period. Wayne had an acute sensibility and a gentle demeanour that endeared him to everyone.
I am very saddened to learn about Wayne’s passing. My condolences to the family.
Sheila and family, we were so sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. He always had a smile, a friendly word, and an intellectually stimulating insight to share. Miranda still has a picture he drew for her in her journal – a picture of a family. It was clear how important family was to him.
We will miss him.
The thirty years at Mohawk college where we taught English, Communications, and a variety of Electives were marked by laughter, a strong comeraderie, and of course a search for new horizons in teaching. All of these endeavors were encouraged and led by your restive spirit, Wayne,. You nurtured your colleagues in Room A126 without reserve. Your sincerity, your quiet empathy and support were genuine and constant. You were there whenever needed. Thank you for the uplifting books you passed on to your friends then patiently discussed with them later. You were a leading light in the department of Language Studies.
Your sculpture shows provided a venue for friends to participate in your spiritual journey. In the end, thank you for being you. Au revoire, dear friend.