Wayne Haves

Wayne Charles Haves

1962 - 2025

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Wayne

Obituary of Wayne Charles Haves

Wayne passed away peacefully at his home with his loving family by his side on Friday, January 24th, 2025 at the age of 62.

 

He will be greatly missed by his partner Kathryn Barter, parents Elizabeth and Robert Haves, brother Grant (Randee), sister-in-law Lynne, nephew Sam and niece Amelia, stepdaughter Amanda Cook and grandchildren Olivia and Madeleine.

Predeceased by his brother Gary.

 

Wayne grew up in the small village of Duntroon, Ontario near Collingwood.

During his younger years, he had the fondest recollections of pond hockey with his dad and brothers, under the lights in the backyard.

 

Wayne’s favourite job of all time, was his very first one, working with his brother Gary, his Dad and Grandpa building log houses at Blue mountain.  At 12 years old he was paid $1.50/hour and felt grossly overpaid but had a great time and learned a lot!

 

Wayne played and loved team hockey and baseball but was a late bloomer and was too small for the success he had hoped for.

So, choosing education instead, particularly math, Wayne attended Wilfrid Laurier University for a business degree.

 

After graduation he stayed in Kitchener joining the accounting firm Clarkson Gordon (now Ernst and Young) for about 10 years, which included a 2yr stint in the UK. He enjoyed his experience travelling the tube and working in downtown London while living in Wimbledon. It was a wonderful adventure, but Wayne wanted to see more. During his time abroad he backpacked around the world - striving to go as far as possible by train travel visiting Europe, Asia and Russia.

 

In 1995 he returned to Kitchener joining Mutual Life of Canada (now Sun Life). It was during that time that he took a position in Toronto and commuted from Kitchener daily. A few years later Wayne rounded out his education with an MBA from Laurier.

 

Wayne’s next frontier brought him back together with Doug Bruns, an old friend from Ernst and Young days to a successful career as a partner at Clarke Starke and Diegel.  Wayne loved his work there and enjoyed meeting new people and the relationships that were formed. Accounting gave Wayne endless math problems to solve, a nightmare to some and a pleasure to Wayne!

 

Wayne was a squash enthusiast and a 30 year member at Kitchener Waterloo racquet club. He never won anything, but he always had fun.

 

For several years Wayne and his favourite Aunt Ermie enjoyed time together in a community garden. He figured he was saving about a whole $5 a year, but they had a great time growing and harvesting his own vegetables.

 

He enjoyed his toys, a 2012 Ducati Multi-strata and a 2007 BMW convertible. 

 

Wayne loved being a grandpa, the role suited him well.

 

One of his last big adventures was with Kathryn, enjoying a river trip down the Danube River. This was a part of the world he hadn’t seen, and he loved learning the history.

 

Soon after that, Wayne began his fight against cancer. Although his condition continued to challenge him, he continued to work and remained positive, beyond measure.

 

Wayne was a true gentleman, kind, sincere and always thinking of others. This past year showed he was a valiant warrior! He will be greatly missed.

 

His family are very grateful to the specialists and staff, for the wonderful care he received at Princess Margaret Hospital.

 

As per Wayne’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of his life will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S, Waterloo, on Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Remarks and remembrances will begin at 5:30 p.m.

 

In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family and donations to the Waterloo Region Community Fund or to the Canadian Cancer Society may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street S. Waterloo at www.erbgood.com.

 

 

Thursday
20
February

Celebration of Life

4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Thursday, February 20, 2025
Erb & Good Family Funeral Home
171 King Street South
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Remarks & remembrances at 5:30 p.m.