Wayne was a memorable part of my newlywed life. He taught me two of the most precious words I know, that I hold of the most magical and powerful things you can say to your mate. "Yes, Dear." I treasure this sage advice to this day.
His heart and his mind were part of the life he would offer without expecting anything in return. He coined new phrases for explaining what I had done to my computer as a "RIFF". No, it isn't a solo on a guitar, it was a "Rob Induced Failure" based largely on the concept known as "WIF" , a "Wayne Induced Failure", he always added an extra F for me.
He knew how to care, how to nurse, how to give of himself even when there wasn't much energy left to give. He invited you in, always had a beer and a story to share. He was one of those guys who knew how to ask really good questions. Because, I suppose, he cared. And he would listen and get to know you. He was great with babies!
We vacationed together, we had many suppers together, we shovelled each other out, we painted our kitchens together the same colour because he could get a deal. I still remember when the ceiling fan hit him in the head as he was cutting out wall along the ceiling. We laughed together. We smoked cigars together. He lent me his car. You know, the MR2.
We lost touch when we moved and they moved. But I'll never lose touch with the feeling that is Wayne and the way he influenced my life, and cared.
Peace always, brother.