Wayne Arthur Happonen (Cajun Wayne) passed peacefully from our world, at the age of 71, at home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Port Arthur General Hospital on July 5, 1953, and was raised in Nolalu, ON.
He embarked on a life of sobriety in January 1976 until his passing, after a long struggle with heart disease and diabetes, and a brief battle with cancer.
He spent his career in the bush as an independent slasher operator until his forced retirement in 2008.
He was happiest surrounded by family and friends after the solitude of bush life.
He was extremely fond of his Northern Light Camp family of 37 years.
He loved camping, fishing and hunting, poker and canasta.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Thyra (Bengtsson) and his three daughters Rhonda (Mike) Green, Dawn (Matt Stachiw) and Amy (Nolan) Coomes. He is also survived by his three grandchildren, Brynn Green (Drohn Bhandari), Korben and Ryker Coomes. As well, he is survived by in-laws Lisa, Elaine, Bob, and Karen Bengtsson, Diane Happonen, dear friends Sandra and Jim, Paul, Vickie, many nieces and nephews and his much loved fur baby Bailey.
He was predeceased by his parents Ahti and Vieno (Saari) Happonen, brother Osmo and sister Diane Stachejczuk, as well as in-laws Marg and Eric Bengtsson and Red Bengtsson and Ellen Bengtsson.
So much appreciation goes to the kind and compassionate staff at the Cancer Clinic, Dr Faghih and Dr Simpson, N.P. Richard Mackenzie, nurse Jeff, and home care providers Rick and Colleen for allowing us to keep Wayne at home to complete his journey surrounded by family and friends.
He will be deeply missed. A private family celebration and memorial shore lunch will be held at a later date.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
