Rev Dr. S. Wayne Lee (Major Retired)

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Born in Halifax N.S. August 26, 1946

Passed away on April 8, 2022 At the Perley Veterans Health where he had been residing since November 2021. He passed away from complications of Parkinson’s Disease.

He married Claire (Grenier) in 1969 and they had two children, Yvette (Dan Huot), and Robin (Laila). He was so very proud of both his children. He had three grandchildren, Ciara, Carina and Justin Huot. They were his shining stars and could always make him laugh.

Wayne joined the RCAF at the age of 16, and served for 45 years. He obtained 4 degrees during this time. He worked as the director of Human Performance and Health Promotion. He was an adjunct professor at the University of Ottawa and was an Honorary Professor at the Shenyang University in China.

After serving several years as a non-commissioned member of the Canadian Forces he received his commission and for most of his military career he served as a Physical Education and Recreation Officer, retiring with the rank of major. He was both a fitness expert and an accomplished athlete in multiple sports including football, karate, judo, volleyball, soccer, rugby and weightlifting. He excelled at almost every sport he played. His belief in Leadership by Example was a motto he followed throughout his military and civilian life.

He played a leading role in the conceptualization, research and development and implementation of the CF’s physical education and health promotion programs and physical fitness standards for the Canadian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

He was awarded the CF’s Medallion for Distinguished Service. He also received the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medal for contributions in the founding of the “Soldier On” program for the CF’s caring for injured Canadian soldiers from the Afghanistan campaign.

After four years of theological training he was ordained a Deacon, and had liturgical and pastoral responsibilities in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Ottawa and Good Shepherd Parish. He was a Spiritual Director for the Upper Room Home of Prayer in Ottawa and Cornwall, and an Appeals Speaker for the International Charity Organization, “Chalice”. He was a volunteer Military Chaplain in the Veterans Pastoral Outreach Program of the DND/VAC Centre in Ottawa, and a Chaplain at the Royal Ottawa Hospital and the Royal Ottawa Place. He also performed military funerals at Beechwood cemetery.

He is survived by siblings Tom (Gisele) Benson, Jack (Germaine) Lee, Donna LeBlanc, Leo, David, Linda (Larry) Guthrie, and Judy. He is predeceased by his parents Eva and Leo Lee, sisters Barbara Sturge, Pauline Mantley, Sheila Lee, and brothers Dennis and Roger. He also leaves behind many many nieces and nephews too numerous to mention.

Visitation for Wayne will take place at Beechwood Cemetery on Thursday April 21st from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. with the memorial service at their chapel at 1 p.m. Burial will follow in the Beechwood Cemetery followed by a reception in the Beechwood Reception rooms.

Donations can be made to the Michael J Fox Foundation in lieu of flowers.

Digital Guestbook

Lt(N) David L. Gingras, MMM, CD

I had the pleasure of working with Wayne, who was an incredible senior officer for many years at DPERA. He was a mentor to me as a young Sgt new to the position of DPERA 5-3. My sincere condolences to Claire and family. Fair Winds and Following Seas, Sir

Ann-Marie Vermaat

Sincere condolences and the deepest sympathy to all his family and friends.

Charlotte sturge

Forever missed

Josey Yearley (retired Aero Engine Tech, PERI and PERO)

My career steam was not unlike Wayne's in that I too straddled the line between non-commissioned members and officers, trying to erase that line to build a more cohesive team...and in many ways the stand-up of PSP accomplished this goal in terms of fitness delivery for the CAF. But although our career stream streams were similar, I could never hold a candle to the influence Dr. Lee wielded (both while in uniform and while employed for CFMWS). He brought such passion and energy to everything he did, I can only imagine what he accomplished as a Deacon; his spirit was so strong! I hope his family can find comfort in the fact that he will not be forgotten (by me, and I imagine by many others).

Lcol Ed Vigneau, CD, RET’d

Wayne and I were on the Basic Officer Training Course together. As noted by others, he was an exceptional person and great leader. His concern for all was foremost in everything he did. He accomplished a great deal during his lifetime and will indeed be missed. My condolences to His wife and family. RIP Wayne.

Gary McDermott, OMM, CD, Maj (Retd)

I am so sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. We first met at CFB Chatham when we were both in the military and later at the CFPSA when we were both civilians. Wayne always impressed me with his interpersonal skills and dedication to his work. We later met at Good Shepherd RC Church where Deacon Wayne gave the best homilies. He would bare his soul to tell his personal stories and how they related to scriptures. He was a gifted speaker and a good friend.
In later years we met for coffee a few times and had some great chats. Wayne had a very deep faith and shared it with all with whom he met. His “fast forward” trip to meet our Maker, is guaranteed.
Our deepest sympathies go to Claire and Wayne’s family.
Rest in Peace good buddy.

Alderic Benson et Family

RIP, Uncle Wayne you’ll be missed but forever in our hearts and memories

Daryl Allard

Hard to put into words what this man has meant to the PSP organization and me both professionally and personally. It started with his commitment to serve and support the CAF, and a caring for his team that went way beyond expectations (and often beyond beyond rigid policies). He was a mentor, a supporter and showed more confidence in many us new personnel than we had in ourselves providing opportunity after opportunity to grow and succeed, always there to catch us should we stumble.

Hard to think of where the Canadian Forces Human Performance Research and Development, Health Promotion and Fitness programming would be without Dr. Lee.

My condolences to Claire and the entire Lee family. You'll be missed Dr Lee but your legacy will continue for years and years to come.

Daryl, Tara and the Allard Family

Mike Spivock

Wayne was so instrumental in helping me become the person I am today - both personally and professionally. Our philosophical chats about politics, religion, family will stay with me always. My deepest condolences to Claire and the entire family. May his memory be a blessing.