Gordon Wayne Symonds
August 16, 1952 to August 16, 2026
Obituary
The Funeral Service for Gordon Symonds will be livestreamed for those unable to attend.
Please click HERE for the link.
Gordon Wayne Symonds passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer.
Predeceased by his parents Gordon and Florence (nee Westcott) Symonds.
Leaving to mourn his passing are his devoted and caregiver brother Derreck, sisters Wendy and Sherry, Mary and their daughter Dayna Symonds, as well as nieces and nephews.
Wayne will also be missed and forever remembered by his best friend and confidant Jeff Burt (Sandra) as well as his close friend Ben James who Wayne had taken under his wing to mentor over the past several years.
Wayne had a great career in the investment industry and built long lasting relationships with clients and colleagues alike. Memorial University’s Science and Biochemistry Departments are where Wayne’s curiosity and passions were first awakened as he often regaled in stories of that earlier part of his life.
A heart felt thank you and gratitude to the Doctors and Nurses of 4 South A Health Sciences and the caregivers at Chancellor Park.
Visitation will be held at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, on Saturday 22 August from 10 AM – 12 PM with a funeral service in the Carnell Memorial Chapel at 2 PM. Interment to follow at the Anglican Cemetery on Kenmount Road. .
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or charity of your choice.
Schedule
Visitations
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. on August 22, 2026
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
2:00pm, Saturday August 22nd
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
Wendy and Derek, so sorry to learn of Wayne’s recent passing. May he rest in peace.
Just learned of this sad happening.. wish I’d known before so I could have atteded the funeral..
So sorry for your loss, Sherry and family!
Wayne and I started work at Investirs Group on September 3, 1981 and travelled to Winnipeg together for several bouts of training that fall. I have many fond memories of him. He was one smart man! Taught me a lot, for sure.
Gone way too soon.
I just heard of Wayne’s passing today. I’m so sorry for your loss. I cut Wayne’s hair for about 20 years until that last haircut when I shaved it. I kept thinking of him over the past months and now I’m sad I never reached out to check in. He gave me so much advice through the years and stuck with me through many changes and told stories that my young ears were shocked to hear. Truly a one of a kind man.
Rest peacefully Wayne 💕
We were very sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. We had many chats when we met up while we did our street dog walk especially when we had our Pomeranian Peanut. Wayne always called him over so he could pet him as he reminded him of his old pom. Peanut loved his attention. We will miss our chats and his stories. RIP Wayne.
Sheila Butler and Tony Daly
Wendy, so sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing our prayers are with you all at this time.
I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear of Wayne’s passing. As Financial Advisors, we kept in touch up to his retirement a few years ago. He was a great friend down through the years. I always had the utmost respect for him. I admired his wisdom, his wit and great sense of humor. We had many laughs together, he could give it, but he could take it as well.. His presence will be sadly missed. RIP my friend. Condolences to Mary and Dayna and extended family
Wayne was our first financial advisor. He was passionate and empathetic. With time we lost contact. The last time I saw him was at my brother in law’s birthday party. Wayne was a person one would never forget. RIP Wayne.
I had the pleasure of working with Wayne as his manager and co-worker.
Wayne had a strong focus on client needs and worked diligently to meet their goals and expectations.
Wayne’s science background led to many wide ranging philosophical conversations.
Wayne had a strong sense of humour and a comfortable working relationship with other staff members. His ready smile will be missed by all.
Derrick I was so sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. My sincere condolences to you and your family. Rest in peace, Wayne.
This rewrite keeps the warmth, honors Wayne’s personality, and adds a touch of gentle humor that feels authentic rather than overly formal:
Some people leave a lasting impression on both your heart and your head, and Wayne was certainly one of those people.
I had the privilege of knowing Wayne for more than 20 years through the investment industry, often working alongside him and many of his clients. Over those years, I spent countless hours listening to his stories, and Wayne never seemed to run short of them. He could take you on an adventure from decades ago and have you hanging on every word. In fact, Wayne was a man of many words… and once he got going, escaping the conversation was rarely an option!
Beneath the stories, the humor, and the larger-than-life personality was a man who genuinely cared about people. He built lasting relationships, earned the trust of his clients, and left an impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Wayne was truly one of a kind, and I feel grateful to have known him. He will be remembered fondly and missed deeply.
My sincere condolences to his family, friends, clients, and all those whose lives he touched.
Deepest sympathy to Wayne’s family and friends. He was out helpful and trusted advisor for many years. I remember fondly the long and periodic chats in his office about lots of topics May he rest in peace. From Harold and Gerri Stapleton.
Wayne had been both a dear friend and a truly amazing financial advisor to Doreen and I for forty-one years during hard times and happy ones. It was always a joy being with Wayne. We laughed and shared many wonderful stories together. We trusted him implicitly and loved him dearly. Goodbye old friend!
my condolences to derrick and family,I’m sorry to hear about your brothers passing,my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time
We knew Wayne in his role as a financial advisor, which he performed with his customary enthusiasm. He also took a considerable interest in our overall familial situation and provided valuable advice to our daughter as well. When we left NL we continued to work with him until he retired and Jeff took over. Wayne will be missed.
Our deepest condolences go out to Wayne’s family and to all those who loved him. We were not only shocked, but truly devastated, to hear of his passing.
We were deeply saddened to learn of Wayne’s recent cancer diagnosis and of the courageous battle he fought until the very end. Wayne was a very private and deeply thoughtful person, and he kept his physical and emotional health largely to himself. We can only imagine the strength and courage it took to face what he was going through.
We had the privilege of knowing Wayne, both personally and professionally, for more than 30 years. He was our friend, our mentor, and our financial advisor during the early years of our marriage, right up until his retirement several years ago.
Wayne was always there to offer guidance and sound advice. He took the time to explain the financial markets in detail and carefully considered what direction he felt would be best for us. His knowledge, wisdom, and genuine interest in our family made every visit to his office much more than simply a financial meeting.
In fact, what was scheduled as a one-hour appointment could easily turn into three hours! There was always time to talk about his travels, his family, our children, and his thoughts and knowledge about world affairs before eventually getting down to the business of trying to keep us on the right track financially.
Wayne was well-read, a true gentleman, and a scholar. We shared many wonderful conversations around the kitchen table, often while he enjoyed one of his favourite treats—a date crumble—and a cup of tea. Those simple moments are among the many memories we will treasure.
He took a genuine personal interest in our children and their futures. He loved them dearly and was always so proud of them.
Wayne touched our lives in many ways, and we will always be grateful for the friendship, wisdom, kindness, and guidance he shared with us over the years. He will be deeply missed.
Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences go to all of Wayne’s family and friends. May the many treasured memories of his life, his friendship, and the love he shared with others bring you comfort, peace, and strength in the difficult days ahead.RIP our dear friend.
Wendy, so sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing . Condolences to you and the rest of the family.
To Wayne’s family and friends,
I am saddened to hear of Wayne’s passing. I didn’t realize he was so sick. Wayne was my investment advisor for many years. He did a wonderful job growing my portfolio and we explored many things together of viewing ways to think outside of the box. I can certainly say he took care of my money as if it was his own! With the many meetings we became friends. I did lots of listening to many stories. I now cherish these memories. Sincere condolences.
Our condolences to Wayne’s family. RIP Wayne.
My sincere condolences to Wayne’s family and friends. My relationship to Wayne began as a “business’ meeting but very soon blossomed into a very trusting and valued personal friendship. His dedication and committment was exceptional giving me comfort and freedom from financial concerns in my later years. May he be blessed with an eternal peace.
Thoughts and prayers at this time to Sherry and Derek. My condolences to all family and friends.
Condolences to Wayne’s family and friends. Very sorry for your loss.
Derreck,Wendy and Sherry, so sad to hear this news of the passing of Wayne. Thoughts and prayers are with you all. Cherish the memories of wonderful gentleman as I have many throughout the years. Stay strong for each other and take care. R.I.P Wayne
Wendy and the Symonds families. My sincere condolences to all. Remembering many childhood memories growing up and going to school in Mount Pearl. I am sure your memories are many and I hope they help in the days to come.
Debbie Rose Chaytor
Just so in shock…I guess now as most of the generation Wayne grew up with ..its so sad to see just another childhood friend.gine…we haven’t seen Wayne for some while as most have gone or went in opposite direction since those school days etc..we were all apart of a great community where friendships lasted forever regardless of how long people were apart as when we all connected there was always a smile and once upon a time moments, reality really hits home as I read this obituary..it goes to show we have to live each day to the fullest..both Roger and I ( Sharon Burry) our deepest thoughts …
Sad to hear of your loss, condolences to your family and friends. Rick and Rhonda Peet.
So sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. This is definitively a shock. We were clients of Wayne’s right up till he retired from BMO. Terry and Wayne went to school together. We shared many a conversation at our dining room table over the years along with a cookie and cup of tea. Fond memories of Terry going to bed and leaving me to talk to Wayne or better still for Wayne to do the talking. He was never lost for words. I’m sure Terry was there to greet him when he passed over. Condolences to all the family. RIP Wayne
Diane Best
40 years ago, Wayne knocked on our door and introduced himself. Unbeknownst to us, a lifetime friendship began.
Messaging him on his birthday only to learn of his passing was a great shock!
Sending our sincere condolences to his family and friends.
He will be greatly missed.
I am very saddened to hear of Wayne’s passing. We have known each other since we were children and his parents were friends of my parents. In ilater years he took such good care of our mothers investments . My deepest condolences to his whole family .
Sherry, not Tracey
I am heartbroken to hear of Wayne’s passing. He was a lifelong friend and every time we were together, it was a time filled with laughter. He made sure that Mom’s investments gave maximum return. Condolences to Mary, Dana Derek, Wendy and Tracy. And families. Rest easy my friend!
To Wayne’s family my sincere condolences.I much admired Wayneas as a coworker and as an excellent professional.A sad loss for all of us Tony