Bruce Wayne Haimila
HAIMILA, BRUCE WAYNE
September 16, 1949 – March 10, 2010-03-13
On March 10th, Wayne Haimila passed away peacefully in his sleep after a short battle with cancer. He will be deeply missed by friends and family. Although it was far too short, he lived a rich life. He was a man who loved life and shared this joy with so many. He once said, “Wine was meant to be drunk, life is meant to be lived and friends are meant to be loved.” All who met him quickly considered him a friend. He was an honourable man.
To Wayne, life was an adventure. He had an infectious joie de vie. His stories made you wake up laughing the next morning. He was an avid reader with a broad knowledge of many subjects. He had a vast and eclectic music collection. He was a published author. He travelled extensively. His Mexican trips with good friend Bruce Campbell are still subject to debate. He twice ran in a relay from Skagoway to Whitehorse.
Wayne was born and raised in Edmonton. He went to UVIC for his undergraduate studies. He obtained his law degree from UBC in 1979. He briefly practiced law before becoming an advisor to the Assembly of First Nations and later to the First Nations Tax Commission. He was instrumental in some of the most important modern advances for First Nation people including the constitutional express, advances in land claims processes and recent legislation. His experiences during these processes are legendary. Those fortunate enough to listen to these tales gained more than a few pearls of lasting wisdom.
His proudest accomplishment, however, was the birth of his son Terrance, with Brenda McGregor in 1996. He was also so proud of Brenda’s daughter Savanna who he loved like his own daughter. He never grew tired of talking about them. It is truly sad that they lost a role model like Wayne so early in their lives.
Wayne will be dearly missed and remembered by his family for his kindness and generosity. He is predeceased by his grandfather Peter Gloubish and father Arnie F. Haimila. He is survived by his grandmother Christina Gloubish, beloved mother Olive Haimila both of Edmonton, Alberta, sister Mary-Jane Fortin, brother in law Maurice, his nephews Daniel, Yves and partner Alaina Parker, Great nephew Domonique all of Calgary, Alberta, aunt Florence Durocher of Edmonton, Alberta, uncle Terry McGuire and numerous cousins.
A Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Wayne Haimila will be held in the Schoening Funeral Chapel, 513 Seymour Street, Kamloops, B.C., on Friday, March 19th, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. with reception to follow. Interment will take place in Edmonton, AB.
Friends wishing to pay their respects may call at the Schoening Funeral Chapel between
7:00 and 9:00pm Thursday evening, March 18th.
Please extend my deep condolences to the friends and family of Wayne Haimila. I’m sorry I won’t be able to attend the service.
I had the great pleasure of working with Wayne for many years; our time together was especially intense during the establishment of the First Nations Tax Commission and advancing the various legislative initiatives.
He always surprised me. He was a careful, thoughtful man who had great insight and originality. His sense of humor was droll, and, despite his seriousness, his outlook on the world was playful. He was a marvelous story-teller. While I hadn’t seen him for a number of years, I counted on his presence in the world. I will miss him. We will all miss him.
Please let Brenda McGregor know that if there is ever anything I can do to help, I’m here.
Leslie Hall Pinder
778 822 6040
lesliehallpinder@shaw.ca
To Wayne’s family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
I want to extend my deep sympathy to Wayne’s family and many friends.
I met Wayne back in the 70′s when friends were easy to meet yet few endure.Wayne was a great friend to both myself and family over the years,We will miss his gentle manner,his compassion and sharp wit.
Please extend my deep sympathy to Wayne’s family and friends. I knew him more on a work related basis enjoying his insight and helpfullness. I will miss his presence at the First Nations Tax Commission.
Everyone at the Native Law Centre (University of Saskatchewan) was deeply saddened to learn of Wayne’s passing and we extend our sincere condolences to the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rest easy, Wayne.