Wayne Deschouwer

Wayne Deschouwer

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Wayne Deschouwer, age 63, on Oct 1st, 2018 at the St Boniface Hospital.

Left to mourn is his wife of 40 years Clémence (Comte); his children Marc (Giana Sherbo), Lisa (Mike Taylor), Eric (Brianne Baigrie), grandchildren Avie, Kosten and Duke; sister Coleen Smitke (Barry), brother Dale (Melinda); brothers and sisters in-law Jean (Simone), Marie (John McNab), André (Gisèle), Suzanne (Geof Trunkfield), Aubert, Céline (Hank Penner), Alain (Lorraine DeBaets), Alice (Aimé Gautron), Fernand (Nicole), Léo (Audrey) plus numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. 

He was predeceased by his parents Lou (1998) and Wilma (Pratt 1996); parents-in-law Paul Comte (1990) and Cécile (Lesage 2006) and sister-in-law Barbara Comte (2006).

Born on Oct 17, 1954 in Holland, MB, Wayne grew up in Mariapolis, MB.  He attended the Somerset and Notre Dame de Lourdes Collegiates where he met his wife Clémence.   They married in 1978 and settled in Gladstone where they raised three children who grew up either at a hockey rink, ball diamond or beer garden. During his 17 years in Gladstone, Wayne coached youth baseball, fastball as well as minor hockey.  He was instrumental in the establishment of the Gladstone Lakers senior hockey team and Gladstone Whips fastball team. He was president of the arena for 14 years and was also a volunteer paramedic.  

The family moved to Winnipeg in the summer of 1994.  Immediately Wayne became part of the MMJHL’s Charleswood Hawks organization, first as general manager and then as president.  At the time of his passing, Wayne was also President of the Tiger Hills and the Southeast Hockey Leagues.

Wayne also found a home with the Smitty’s softball organization and the Holenskis in 1995.  He coached for 10 years and naturally became their president in 2004.  In addition to playing and coaching, Wayne also served as an umpire for over 45 years, officiating at local, rural and northern tournaments as well as numerous western and national championships as a member of the Blue Crew. He instructed countless umpire clinics in Winnipeg and Northern Manitoba.  He was the 2010-2015 Provincial Umpire-in-Chief and served on many softball boards. 

Wayne received many recognitions for his community service.   He was the recipient of the Leo Bouchard Award for top fastball coach/manager in 1993 and 1999;  the Jim Adams Memorial Award for Outstanding Administrator, Builder or Executive Member in 2012; Hockey Manitoba Volunteer of the Year for 2011/12 and received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 for those who have made outstanding and exemplary contributions to their community.  He was inducted in the Manitoba Softball Hall of Fame in 2010 (All-Around) and 2018 (Gladstone Whips and Mariapolis Blues team categories).   

Wayne was humbly appreciative when receiving recognition and awards. In his mind, he was just doing something he enjoyed - all he was doing was giving back to the sports and community he owed so much to. His biggest reward was the opportunities to meet so many great people and to make numerous acquaintances.

Wayne was also a huge Winnipeg Blue Bomber and CFL fan; held Bomber season tickets since 1976, attended over 25 Grey Cups and served on the Blue Bombers Board of Directors for 6 years in the 90s.

Wayne’s employment started at a very young age working alongside his father at the Mariapolis Co-op and transferred into the role of GM of the Gladstone Co-op at the age of 23.  Remaining in fertilizer sales, he moved on to work with Westco, Manitoba Pool, Agricore, Viterra and Agrium. 

Wayne lived life to the fullest and felt blessed for the life he had been given. He was the self-proclaimed “happiest guy you know” and never failed when asked how he was doing to answer “I’malways good, it’s the other people out there you have to worry about”. He worked hard and tirelessly and strived to live selflessly all while giving his heartiest effort. Whichever organization, committee or board his journey led him to, his dedication made an impact. 

His passion for service to the community was only surpassed by his love for family and friends. Conversations around any table were guaranteed to be lively and heavily saturated with laughter. He loved to tell stories, often more than once and always with additional embellishment.

All he wanted for others was for them to be happy. He believed the other stuff would take care of itself but you had to have fun in life. 

​Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving ​​safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in ​​​broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly ​​proclaiming, “Wow what a ride”.

Funeral services will be held in the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 4588 Roblin Blvd, Winnipeg, MB, on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 11:00 am.   

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to any minor sports organization.

Adam’s Funeral Home of Notre Dame de Lourdes, Manitoba in care of arrangements.  Phone 204-248-2201 or 1-888-400-2326.  For more information and condolences, please visit www.afh.ca

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