Obituary of Wayne Jones

September 6, 1939 to September 23, 2019 JONES: Wayne Byron Jones passed away while listening to music, one of his favourite pastimes, at Hillcrest Place Personal Care Home on the morning of September 23, 2019, at the age of 80 years. Wayne/Dad will be greatly missed, and forever remembered, by his devoted wife Liz of 53 years, daughter Diana (son-in-law Douglas Pritchard, grandchildren Aislin and Dylan), and son David (daughter-in-law Jodie and grandchildren Jarett and Marisa). Wayne was predeceased by his parents Ray and Lottie Jones, and brother Jack. On September 6th, 1939, Wayne was born in Melita, Manitoba, the eldest of 5 children. Dad grew up on the family farm just outside of Tilston, where he kept busy with the 4-H Beef Club, track and field, curling, horseback riding, hunting gophers, and of course, hard work on the farm. After high school, Wayne continued to work on the family farm. An early interest in politics lured him to Winnipeg, as member of the Boys Parliament in 1959. In 1960, Dad moved to Winnipeg to study agriculture at the University of Manitoba, graduating with an Agriculture Diploma in 1962. At that time, it was not common for a young man from rural Manitoba to leave the farm and study at University. After University graduation, Wayne continued to live in Winnipeg during the winters, where he worked as a welder at CCIL Canadian Co-operative Implements Ltd., and for the provincial government on an accounting program working with farmers on their year-end finances. In the summers, Wayne would return to Tilston and help on the family farm. Wayne met Liz, the love of his life, on a blind date, during a cold February night in 1965. Not long after, Dad proposed, and on Nov 26, 1966, mom and dad were married at the Young United Church on Broadway in Winnipeg. The newlyweds lived an active life in Winnipeg for the next year and half, enjoying bowling, curling, ballet, symphony and movies. A decision was made to permanently move back to Tilston in March 1968, where they lived happily for another 44 years. Dad was very active in the community as Elder of the Session in the Tilston United Church, a member of the Tilston Hall Committee, and Lions Club Director. In 1977, Dad was president of the Tilston Rink, successfully campaigning with a group of volunteers for a new community skating rink. Wayne had great concern for the welfare of farmers, and was a passionate advocate for their rights. During the 1980's, dad was a member of the NFU National Farmers Union. Dad had a streak of activism and fought to keep farmers on their land, in the hopes they would continue to do what they know and love. While farming, Wayne also worked part- time for Pioneer Life Insurance, crop adjuster for Manitoba Crop Insurance Corporation, mediator for the Manitoba Farm Mediation Board, and organic inspector for OPAM Organic Producers Association of Manitoba. Most importantly, Wayne was a proud, dedicated and experienced farmer. When farmers were faced with a problem, they had to find their own solution. A common problem was machinery breakdowns, and dad was often the solution. Mechanics and electronics came naturally to Wayne, dad could fix anything whether it was a tractor, an oven, or a radio. Many times, farmers in the area would go to dad for assistance with mechanical problems. No matter how busy dad was with his own farm work, he would never say no. A highlight for Dad every summer was attending the Austin Threshermen's Reunion, where he worked on the 1910 Gaar-Scott Steam Traction Engine, donated by the Jones Family. Wayne eventually became a Certified Steam Traction Power Engineer, a special designation for people who wanted to drive a steam engine at Austin. Wayne also had a passion for automobiles, notably vintage cars, and collected many over the years, with the hope that one day he would restore them. Dad's love of vintage extended to antiques, he would often attend farm auctions and always came home with many 'treasures', to mom's annoyance! Another highlight for dad was camping in the summer, William's Lake was the favourite spot for the family. Fishing, swimming, enjoying nature, and stories by the fire are special memories. In 2007, Dad and Mom permanently retired from farming, which gave Wayne time to enjoy his other interests. Wayne's talent at working with his hands extended beyond mechanics. Dad made cherished gifts for his family. Bent willow clocks made from trees in the pasture, candlesticks made from spikes in the old railway near the farm, and painted vases made from discarded glass bottles found in abandoned farmhouses. Dad loved to travel and was very fortunate to visit Diana and her family in Scotland in 2005. During this time, Wayne and Liz also travelled to England, and most importantly Ireland. Dad was a proud 'Irishman' and loved anything Irish. Kissing the Blarney Stone was quite the life experience for him. Wayne, Liz and family also travelled to Hawaii in 1980. A lover of music, Dad would often be found playing his harmonica or guitar, and listening to his favourite country music, Stompin' Tom Connors, Johnny Cash and Wilf Carter. The grandkids loved to hear grandpa yodel. Music kept dad occupied and happy until his last days. Wayne loved animals and nature, an example of his kind and gentle disposition. Billy the horse or 'Billy Boy' was dad's long-time companion. Every morning he would feed oats to Billy and pay him visits throughout the day. Grandpa would love to get his 'cowboy' gear out when the grandkids came to visit. He would ride Billy around the yard in his cowboy boots and hat, and give the grandchildren a ride as well. As 'city kids', they thought this was pretty cool. A cowboy for a grandpa! Dad understood the land completely and was a part of the prairie that surrounded him. Going for walks in the pasture, in the fields, and down the lane with the family dog Snickers was a favourite pastime. Wayne would often pick wildflowers for mom and would gather special rocks, creating a massive collection over the years. Going for sunset walks with his wife, children and grandchildren are remembered as very special moments. Most important to Dad was his love of family and the farm, and our most cherished memories are the time we spent with him in the country. In response to Wayne's slow onset of dementia and loss of sight due to the rare brain diagnoses of Posterior Cortical Atrophy, Wayne and Liz reluctantly moved from the farm to Brandon in October of 2012. During this time, our mother was unwavering in her care for our father. Although dad was comfortable in Brandon, he always yearned for the country. The farm was where dad was most happy and where he belonged. Wayne was a very special husband, father, grandfather and friend. Honest, compassionate, gentle, kind, humble, accepting, and loyal. Dad will be greatly missed and very fondly remembered and respected by all that knew him. As per Wayne's wishes, in lieu of a formal service, his life was celebrated with an intimate group of family and close friends at his home in Brandon. IRISH BLESSING "May the Road Rise to meet you. May the Wind be Always at your back. May the Sun Shine Warm upon your Face. May the Rain Fall Soft upon your Fields, And until we meet again, May God hold you In the Palm of His Hand."