August 5, 1940 ~ December 31, 2007
Gilbert Wayne Reese passed away on December 31, 2007 in Abbotsford, BC. “Wayne”, as he became known, was born on August 5, 1940 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to Roy and Anna Reese. He lived in Saskatchewan until his family moved to Vancouver when Wayne was 13 years old. He attended King’s College High School where he met, and later married, his high school sweetheart, Gwen Ayres. Together they attended Bible College, seminary and graduate school both in Canada and the US. Wayne served as the Minister of Music in San Jose, Toronto, Chilliwack, Nanaimo, North Vancouver, White Rock and Abbotsford. He also taught music at Northwest Baptist College and worked in Donor Relations and Planned Giving at Canadian Food for the Hungry International. He played an integral role as a founding board member of the Canadian Mission to Unreached Peoples for over 15 years. Wayne loved making music. His homes were constantly filled with the praises that flowed off the keys of his piano. He never met a person who didn’t want to be around him. He had the natural ability to make everyone feel comfortable by just being with him. Wayne is predeceased by his parents, and is survived by his wife, Gwen; brothers Ron (Marilyn) and Orland (Ann); his daughter Melody (Jeremy) Hirsch; and three grandchildren, Brayden, Jared and Janaya. The Celebration of Life memorial will be held on Monday, January 7 at Sevenoaks Alliance Church at 2 pm. Viewing will be held earlier in the day from 9:30-11:00 am at Woodlawn Funeral Home, followed by the graveside service at Hazelwood Cemetery at 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made towards Columbia Bible College student aid scholarships in honour of his life.
Woodlawn Funeral Home ~ 604-853-2643