Obituary of Wayne Arthur

 Wayne Robert Arthur

December 15, 1942 - March 21, 2025

Wayne, Dad, Poppa passed away in his home suddenly Friday morning, March 21, 2025, doing what he loved to do – taking care of mom.

He was born December 15, 1942 in Brandon, MB to Ida and Alec Arthur. They lived on the “Jersey Farm” until dad was 8. In 1950, they moved to a farm in Rounthwaite, taking with them some Jersey cows. In 1952, Grandpa bought the “Old Farm” 8-9-18 settling in at the foot of Brandon Hills, he called the farm “Gentrice Farms”.

Wayne was a dairy man, milking and showing his prize Jerseys. It was the love of showing the dairy cows at 4H fairs that brought Wayne and Ann together and their love story began. They were married August 1, 1964. Together, they had three children; Carole, Catherine and Christopher. For dad, farming was not only milk cows. During his farming days he also had beef cattle and was very involved in the Simmental world. He was a grain and hay farmer and had a custom haying business. The Provincial Exhibition holds a special place in Wayne’s heart. He worked at all three fairs and was also an exhibitor for many years showing either Dairy or Beef cattle. He often shared fond memories of the Wheat City Arena, when the MANEX was the main arena, the roller rink, the Crystal Palace and of course the Dome Building. The afternoon of the day before he died was spent touring the Dome Building, sharing stories and helping sort through artifacts. He went to buy tickets for the Winter Fair and spent hours visiting.

As a youngster, dad would get to school (Brandon Hills School) on his horse, Tiny. Wayne farmed alongside his dad Alec until Alec and Ida moved into Brandon in 1986. In 1988, Dad moved his family and beloved Jersey cows to 25-9-19, just 3 short miles south of Brandon. The legacy of Gentrice Farms thrives today with Wayne’s son Christopher, and his family. Once dad hung up his dairy milking hat, he purchased four Clydesdale mares whose offspring still roam the farm. After retiring, dad stayed involved with helping Chris on the farm. It wasn’t ever a surprise to see dad in the big tractor swathing, baling, cultivating, taking a nap, or on the little tractor tilling his garden and mowing the grass. Dad and mom found so much joy and love in their grandchildren, working the land, and showing their cows.

Wayne was predeceased by his parents Alec and Ida Arthur; sister Shirley Balch; brothers-in-law Dave Balch and Geordie Sheach and brother Bryan Arthur. Wayne will be lovingly remembered by his wife Ann, his children Carole (Richard), Catherine (Rob) and Christopher (Heather); his grandchildren Brennan, Kennah, Chelsey (Ryann), Liv, Jaelyn, Hailey and Alexander and his great grandchild who is on the way. He is also survived by his sister Helen (Fred) Warburton; sisters-in-law Diane Arthur and Sheila Sheach; brother-in-law Ted (Shelia) Smith; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and so many friends.

A celebration of life and graveside service for Dad will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at the Brandon Hills cemetery with a reception to follow.