Gunning, Wayne (September 30, 2023)

Gunning, Wayne

Passed away on September 30th, 2023 at Erie Shores Hospice. He was born on March 15, 1942 in Essex and he was a long-time resident of the community of Cottam, in the Town of Kingsville.

Wayne is survived by his spouse Katherine nee Kos, his children Sande and her husband David, Connie and her partner Brandon and two grandchildren Andy, his partner Jess and Alex, his sister Dorothy and Bob (Brown), sister-in-law Julia Kos, and brother-in-law Donny Chartier. He is also survived by nieces and nephews Michelle, Craig, Erik, Brandon, Steven, Richard, Debra, Darleen, Chad, and Derek.

He was predeceased by his parents Chester (1990), Ruby (2003), sister Nancy Chartier (2002), father and mother-in-law Mat (2010) and Maria (2019) Kos, and brother-in-law John Kos (2008)

Wayne was married to the love of his life, Katherine. In May 2023 they celebrated 60 years of a wonderful marriage. Wayne and Katherine were a perfect fit, they adored each other. Wayne held a special place in his heart for their daughters.

His accomplishments were many and varied. Wayne was busy even at a very early age, working at a local butcher shop and seen about Essex, delivering newspapers, having a lawn cutting service, anything he could do to make a buck. Many times accompanied by his dog that was quite protective of him. When he acquired his driver’s license, he purchased fruits and vegetables to resell to the local grocery store.

As a young adult, he was encouraged to become a Police Officer in Toronto, then onto the force in Sandwich West, serving 9 years. With his partner Katherine and his skills as an entrepreneur he had four successful small businesses, LaSalle Discount and Variety, Essex Mini Mart, Kingsville Variety and lastly a boarding and grooming kennel named Kingsway Kennels.

He was an astute business man; proficient when it came to mathematical skills. These were seven day a week operations but with all his hard work and long hours he was able to retire at the age of 52. Finally, some time to himself and to keep busy, Wayne and Katherine were involved as volunteers with local activities and community events.

He then became the most driven and hard working campaign manager for Katherine who served on Kingsville Council and recently for a friend who is now serving on Council.

It is with great sadness that we say good bye to a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend. He will be truly missed by his wife Katherine, family members and friends.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all those heroes at Metropolitan Hospital, Ouellette Campus and a special thank you to the heroes at Erie Shores Hospice for their compassion and care in Wayne’s last days. In lieu of flowers, you can honour Wayne by donating to the organization of your choice.

Visitation at the Reid Funeral Home, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-326-2631) on Friday, October 6, 2023 from 2-5 p.m. with Royal Canadian Legion Branch 188 Service at 3 p.m.

Funeral Service to celebrate Wayne’s life will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 10 a.m. at the Funeral Home. Interment to follow at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.

Share words of comfort at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

OCT 6

Visitation

Friday, October 6, 2023
2:00PM – 5:00PM

Reid Funeral Home & Reception Centre
14 Russell Street
Leamington, ON N8H 1T8

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OCT 7

Funeral Ceremony

Saturday, October 7, 2023
10:00AM – 11:00AM