Obituary of Wayne Lee

It is with deep sadness that the family announces Wayne’s passing on Friday, June 5, 2026 at the age of 88. Wayne was the devoted husband of the late Audrey (née Smith) and loving father of Kevin (Louise) and the late Craig (Laurie). Adored papa of Aidan and Benjamin. Brother of Patricia Knight, and the late Gary and Darwin. Wayne will also be greatly missed by his many extended family members, especially the family who he was lucky enough to also call friends: Wendy & Charlie; Wanda & Paul; Lynn & Rose; Linda & Warren. Predeceased by brothers-in-law Fred Smith, Joe Knight and sister-in-law Bonnie Dunne. Wayne will also be fondly remembered by his nieces, nephews, extended family, hockey buddies, and many professional colleagues who remained friends.

Wayne’s career spanned many decades at Algoma Steel, from where he retired in 1993. In retirement he expanded his involvement in credit union volunteerism, sitting as a board member and then Chair of ASCU Community Credit Union, Credit Union Central of Ontario, The Cooperators Group Limited, and Ontario First. This work took him and Audrey around the world, but it was their time together in Ireland and all through Canada that they cherished the most from their travels.

Wayne derived great pleasure and pride in his family and his home, especially his favourite place on Earth, the camp he and Audrey built at Havilland Bay. Decades of saunas, sailing, bonfires, barbecues, hosting family and friends with Audrey, and watching the sunset across Superior with his sons, will be forever etched in our memories. He adored spending time with his grandsons, Aidan and Ben, and said that they brought him some of the greatest happiness of his life.

Wayne’s other, not-so-secret love, was hockey. He excelled at many sports, including skiing, sailing, softball and bowling, but hockey surpassed them all. A lifelong forward, and Maple Leafs fan, he loved nothing more than getting new hockey gear and joining his friends on the ice. He continued to play hockey, up to 5 times a week, into his mid 80s. Even when no longer playing, the company of his hockey buddies was among every week’s plans. In the off-season, Wayne was a devoted New York Yankees fan.

The family owes a debt of gratitude to many people: Wendy and Charlie who have been Wayne’s on-the-ground support and steadfast friends; Dr. Spadafora who kept the optimism alive and provided empathetic care; Dr. Lam, Dr. Booth; nurses Leo and Sue from Bayshore Health; the outstanding team at Collegiate Heights; and the amazing staff on 3A at the SAH, especially nurse Makayla and palliative care doctor, Dr. Schamp. The kindness and care of many has supported us all.

A private interment will be held at Greenwood Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758).