Gerald 'Wayne' Garner

After a long and hard-fought battle with Parkinson’s Disease, Gerald “Wayne” Garner of Embro, passed away peacefully in his 79th year.  He died in his home surrounded by the people he loved most, on Saturday February 17, 2024.

Beloved husband and best friend of Mary Ellen (nee Bloetjes) Garner. Proud dad of Sherry Garner, Sandy Turner (Jim), Laura Garner (Nate Schnare), Julie Garner (Edgar Edels), Meaghin Moraga (Frank) and Matt Garner (Randi). Stepdad of Deb McGregor (Ian), Carollyn Currie (Matt) and Ben Peterson (Marieve Gagnon). Loving grandpa of Quinn & Maggie; Dustin, Lucas & Emily; Ryder & Jasper; Gabriella & Nicolas; Rowan, Ian & Molly; Grace, Alex & Jean; Clare & Alison; Victor & Caleb. Wayne will also be missed by his beloved Rusty Dog. Brother of Doug (Shirley), Elaine Cougler (Ron), Glen (Alma), Brian, John (Susan), Joyce Jackson (Brian) and Donna (Rick Hughes). Brother-in-law to Donna Hiuser Garner, Irene Garner, Steve Van Winden,  John & Liz  Bloetjes , Mike & Jackie Bloetjes, Ed & Lesley Bloetjes,  Chris Bloetjes, Ron Bloetjes & KarenAnn Deelstra. Uncle of many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Ernest (1995) and Alice (1998), his siblings Ross (2006), Roger (2008), Linda (2014), Keith (2015) Allan (2021), and brother-in-law Steve (2023).  Son-in-law of the late Case & Corrie Bloetjes.

The family would like to thank the staff at the VON Day Program Ingersoll for providing Wayne with a warm, welcoming, and fun place to go each week. Special thanks to the Palliative Care Outreach Team: Dr. Aaron, St. Elizabeth nurse Kizzey, the PSWs along with Oxford Paramedic Presley. Together, this team gave Wayne quality care, comfort, and dignity to allow him to pass peacefully at home. Wayne was an active lifelong resident of Embro and was dedicated to serving his community.

A memorial service to celebrate Wayne’s life will be held at Knox United Church, Embro, on Saturday, February 24 at 11:00 am with Rev. Susan Cole officiating. Livestream at  https://www.facebook.com/knoxembro.ca

Reception to follow at the Embro Community Center. If you are unable to join us for the service, please feel free to attend the reception.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be gratefully accepted to Knox United Church in Embro, of which Wayne was a member for his entire life.