Obituary of Wayne Russell Gudmundson

GUDMUNDSON, Wayne Russell

Wayne Russell Gudmundson, late of Regina, SK, passed away in the company of his loved ones on Friday, October 16, 2020 at the age of 76 years. Predeceased by his parents Thorsteinn and Doris (nee Laboucane) Gudmundson; twin sister Sandy MacDonald; and brothers Brian and Mark Gudmundson. Wayne is survived by his son Ryan (Tamara) Gudmundson; sister-in-law Wendy Johnson; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Wayne was born in Toronto, On on October 11, 1944. He grew up in a military family, who lived in many locations throughout Canada, on or near RCAF bases of the era, where Thorsteinn (Stoney) served as a cook known for preparing “good food” for hundreds at a time. As a result, Wayne and siblings experienced both life and formal schooling in a diversity of communities, including in Ontario, Fort Nelson, BC, St. Hubert, QC and Bruno, SK, as well as overseas in Grostenquin, France, near Canada’s first RCAF station built under a NATO post Second World War agreement. In addition to school studies, Wayne excelled at youth program and patrol leader training in the Scouting movement, achieving the Queen’s Scout Award. A preference for service saw Wayne spend over 40 years in the food and beverage industry, where, early on in this career, he met and was married for a brief period to the late Lorraine Gudmundson (nee Levesque), during which time they welcomed son Ryan. Known for providing and mentoring impeccable service, he was employed by fine dining restaurants across Western Canada, starting in Saskatoon as a server just barely out of high school, moving to maître d’ positions in Regina and then Kananaskis, AB and Whistler, BC. For a work change, but not change of pace, he wound up his career in Vancouver as a managing barista at the racetrack and finally Canada Place. Upon retiring and returning to Regina in 2011, Wayne especially enjoyed coffee chats with family and friends, and when out for a latte, could often be heard complimenting or coaching the barista on how his coffee was or should be brewed. He also loved to read or see historical accounts, and appreciated indigenous art, particularly the Indigenous Group of Seven, which was a lifelong passion. A graveside memorial service will be held in the Spring of 2021 at Riverside Memorial Park in Regina. Donations in memory of Wayne may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 1738 Quebec Ave #26, Saskatoon, SK S7K 1V9. Heartfelt thanks from our family to Pasqua Hospital caregivers in the ICU and MSU where Wayne received compassionate treatment for sudden, non-Covid illness, and with recovery not possible, was lovingly helped on his way. Our thanks also to Speers staff for their kind guidance.