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
Paul & Camille Blaser
Sue Lurk
Wayne's warmth and kindness touched all those fortunate enough to meet him. May the care and love of those around you provide the comfort you seek. My most heart-felt condolences. He will be missed. Sincerely, PSW Susan Lurk, Perley Veterens.
Donna LeBlanc
Love you brother, god bless you, rest in peace xoxoxo ??.
pat and jim atwill
Our deepest condolences on the passing of Wayne.
Dave Rothermund
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Lee family.
I remember talking to a fine gentleman and PERI staff in 1985, his name was Jake Kennedy. I was bragging about Roy Hillier and Al Ettinger and how important these two PERO’s were. Jake ignored me and said “have you ever had the privilege of meeting Wayne Lee” I said no. Jake went on and on about Wayne and his accomplishments and how Wayne would change the Canadian forces health and fitness strategy and program. The next time I went to Ottawa I looked up Dr Wayne Lee. I really regret not meeting him sooner as he was exciting, enlightening, but most importantly a real nice person. We then spent a few days together at a conference where Wayne took me for a run early every morning. A quick stop at Tim’s where Wayne would always have cash-in his sock. We talked soccer all the time. Donny Phillips once described Wayne as a cross between a roadrunner and a bull when he ran with the ball. Just get out of his way, because you just could not knock him off the ball. Wayne, it was an honour to call you my friend, you were a special person, one of a kind. I will always remember you my friend.
There are few words that do Wayne justice. Unrivaled , and inspirational , he was one of the best and we are so fortunate to have had him in our lives . He will forever be remembered in the highest regard and greatly missed.