Wayne peacefully left us on December 11th, 2025, at the age of 80. He is now reunited with his beloved wife Barbara. He was a proud father to Jennifer Wilkes and father-in-law to Jeffery Temple. As a caring grandfather, he will be missed by Mason and Charley (his cherished pomski). He was predeceased by his parents Elsie and Frederick Wilkes. Also gone before him is his sister Marilyn (late Bob), while he is survived by siblings Barbara (late Peter), Pat (late Ed), Gaye (late Jim), and Dennis Wilkes. Many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and friends will dearly miss him.
Wayne had a lifelong passion for cars. He loved working on vintage vehicles, going to local car shows, and visiting the raceways of old Checker Flag and more recently Grand Bend. For most of his career, he worked in the auto industry as a welder/fitter. His expertise lay in creating automation electrical control panels that operated assembly lines for companies like Chryslers, General Motors, Fords, Lamb Technologies among others at JIC Electric (Old Castle). After retiring at 61 years old, he found joy in cooking and baking and often shared his delicious treats with family and friends. His typical day started early in the morning with a drive down to Dieppe Gardens where he’d park by the river to enjoy coffee while watching the sunrise before tackling daily chores. He took pleasure in yard work or washing his car or truck. Biking rides were another favorite activity along with workouts on his home Total-Gym equipment; shopping trips were also enjoyable for him as well as evenings spent attending shows at Caesars Windsor. Sundays held a special place in his heart as they were reserved for breakfast dates with his daughter; sometimes Jeff and Mason joined them for celebrations.
Although Wayne valued his independence greatly, he understood how important family was along with close friendships-like those from The Mc Donalds Morning Bunch at Dougall Avenue and Downtown locations. Holiday meals were always filled with fun-a collaborative effort every time! Wayne usually brought sweet potatoes, stuffing plus dessert too! He would arrive early just to watch movies together while dinner got ready. A true handyman at heart who taught himself many skills just like his late father Fred; he enjoyed lending a hand whenever someone needed it-especially helping out sister Gaye who had recently moved back nearby to be closer to family. Special meals shared within family gatherings mattered deeply; not long ago they celebrated the Wilkes family reunion this past year which brought everyone together again happily! Additionally attending theatre productions supporting nephew Jason’s pursuits added joy into their lives too! What stood constant through everything were all those positive memories he’ll leave behind.
Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday December 16th 2025 from 11am – 12pm at Windsor Chapel Funeral Home – South Chapel (3048 Dougall Ave., 519-253-7236). Following this service there will be burial at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens afterward too! Should you wish instead donations can go towards honoring Wayne’s memory through Ronald Mc Donald House (Windsor).
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