Obituary of Wayne Edward Jennings
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It is with profound sadness the family of Wayne Edward Quentin Jennings announce his peaceful passing on April 29, 2024, while in the loving presence of his family in the Palliative Care Unit at Chalmers Hospital, Fredericton, N.B. He was born on July 16, 1950 in Saint John, N.B. to parents Rita Jennings (Cormier) and Gregory Allan Joseph Jennings (deceased) and was predeceased by his youngest brother Gregory Patrick Jennings.
Wayne will be remembered and missed by his aunts, cousins and an unclesin Ontario, British Columbia, New Zealand and England. After graduating UNB law school in Fredericton, Wayne practiced law as a respected legal aid lawyer in both Nfld. and B.C. There he served with skill and devotion to many families in need of compassionate and competent lawyering. After retiring, Wayne moved back to the Maritimes with his wife of 23 years, Beryl McKiernan. He had long dreamed of returning to the east coast to be close to family and to the culture, charm and music of the east coast he loved so much.
Wayne remained passionate to the end of his days about all things to do with music, poetry, art, storytelling, literature, movies, history. The list of his interest and curiosity seemed endless. But music gained a greater focus in his final years. He taught himself to play 12-string and acoustic guitars, until he could play a flawless ‘Classical Gas’. He then moved on to learning and playing piano. He chose songs for a music playlist to play at his bedside while in palliative care. Leonard Cohen had to be top of the list and we all sang along to “Farewell Marianne”. Wayne loved to travel to sunny, warm destinations and to play cards with the ‘Boys’ who included his brothers and friends. And he always loved sharing his highly embellished stories about retrieved memories we shared as family. How we loved him. He was generous, empathic and wise to the end.
His passing leaves family, friends and colleagues grieving our loss but grateful to have shared part of his life’s journey and adventures with him.
As per Wayne’s request there will be no visitation or services. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com
