John Wayne Smithson

On January 5th, Papa Duke took his last breath and ascended to the other side, with his loved ones that were waiting to blanket him with peace. His worries and pain were left behind with the grace and quietness that you can only feel when the snow falls silently and the world just stops. We all have that one soul that we know will help us detach and finally release, and Wayne left this realm with her.

Papa Duke always held an appreciation for the way numbers seemed to echo through time. Born on May 1 and departing on January 5, his beginning and ending quietly mirrored one another — 05/01 and 01/05. And now, fifteen years since Kaiti passed, this moment aligns once more with his 1-5/5-1, as our beautiful Kaitr steps into her fifteenth year, carrying forward with grace.

But Wayne’s real love was flying. As a licensed pilot, he was happiest up in the air, especially in his yellow Cub. He was the kind of pilot who could make you laugh just as easily as he could make you grip the seats of the plane. Especially when he’d tell the stories about flying through storms with nothing but power lines to guide him home. And then there were the famous “hammerhead stalls” and the loop-de-loops he loved to pull off, like he was trying to show the sky who was boss. He was a great pilot, and an even better storyteller, always leaving everyone smiling or remembering.

What we all know is the heart of the memories that we regress on when we reflect. No matter what that chord sounds like, it will always be a song to raise a glass to.

Wayne was predeceased by his beloved daughter Kaitlin, his brothers Paul, George, James, and Dennis, and his parents.

He is survived by his children Matt and Meagan, grandchildren Kaiden, Kaiti, Maleigha, Aurelie, Felix and Leo. His sisters Sherri and Penny, who will forever cherish his memory.

We’ll miss his stories, his laughter, and his fearless spirit. So here’s a final toast: may the skies always be clear, and may you fly on, Wayne.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Norfolk, Ontario, with details to be announced at a later date.

Arrangements in care of Colleen Sekura, Drayton Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services, 5026-48 Street, Drayton Valley, AB. 587 673-1688.