June 19, 1940 - February 23, 2023
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Captain Wayne Alexander Whyte. He left us peacefully in Sechelt Hospital with his loved ones at his bedside after a lengthy and courageous journey with Parkinson’s Disease.
Wayne was born in St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver and was raised in North Vancouver, where at the young age of 16 he fell in love with the sea, after a summer spent working on the tugs. This experience was the beginning of a successful 45-year career on the water which took him around the world and to the pinnacle of the marine profession, guiding ships as a BC Coast Pilot for 22 years.
In addition to his devotion to work and family, Wayne had many passions that brought him joy. He was an avid skier in his early years and later he honed his golfing skills, always practising to lower his handicap. In retirement, he divided his time between Palm Desert and Sakinaw Lake, his favourite place on earth! At the lake he poured his heart and soul into gardening and landscaping, including building many incredible rock walls.
Wayne is predeceased by his father and mother, Charles and Joyce Whyte and his twin brother, Warren.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Diana, his supportive sister, Dianne Rice, his beloved sons, Warren and Trevor, and his amazing grandchildren, Stella, Ty, and Jaidan who all held a very special place in Wayne’s heart.
Wayne will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for his exceptional work ethic, his generous outgoing personality, his quick wit and big smile and his dedication to his family.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, April 3, 2023, from 13:00 to 16:00, at the Polygon Gallery in the Seaspan Room, located at 101 Carrie Cates Ct in North Vancouver.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Sunshine Coast Hospice Society www.coasthospice.com to which the Whyte family is immensely grateful for their tremendous support during Wayne’s end-of-life journey.
