It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Wayne Willis Thompson aged 71 of Upper Blackville, New Brunswick, formerly of Fort McMurray, Alberta.

Wayne was born in Tatamagouche, NS to Willis and Rose (Rhindress) Thompson. He was one of seven siblings raised on the family farm in Middleboro. He attended school in Pugwash, NS.

Work took Wayne west to Fort McMurray in the eighties. He loved working with heavy machinery and was proud to call Alberta home. He enjoyed camping, ATVing, snowmobiling and ice fishing during his time in Alberta.

Wayne was always known to be "tinkering" around; fixing just about anything you could imagine or working on one of his precious trucks. His neighbours and friends always counted on Wayne to help fix something and to have the right tool for any job, which was something he took great satisfaction in. Wayne will also be remembered for his generosity and desire to help out a friend in a time of need.

Wayne was a dedicated employee of Syncrude for over 20 years and was especially proud of his time on the emergency response team. He was certainly proud when his son John joined him in Alberta as a teen and made Fort McMurray his home for nearly a decade. John, Wayne and his nephew Chad enjoy many adventures together.

After his retirement Wayne's children convinced him to move east and closer to them. A move that resulted in more quality time with his children and family and the chance to watch his granddaughters grow. Wayne cherished visits with his family and time with his granddaughters. He wasn't always the best at keeping with a plan but somehow always had treats for his grandbabies (and the cat!) packed for every visit.

Wayne was predeceased by his parents, his sister Diane Thompson, and sister-in-law Beverly Thompson. He is survived by his brother Ron Thompson, brother-in-law Stewart Feeley and sisters: Evon Patriquin, Vera Lynn Thompson (Richard), Cathy Thompson, Sheri Thompson Palcich (Tony), and Jackie Hurley (Arnold). He is also survived by his children John Thompson (Pollyann) and Sara Burkhardt (Jordan), granddaughters Julia and Kate Burkhardt and many nieces and nephews.

Donations in Wayne's memory can be made to the Lillian Allbon Animal Shelte r or your charity of choice. A private family visitation and graveside service will be held to lay Wayne to rest with his parents in the Riverside Cemetery, Wallace.

We will look for you in the rainbows and cotton candy skies Grampy.  -   Love you more.