Wayne Rice
January 10, 1958 to September 15, 2024
Obituary
The Service for Wayne Rice will be livestreamed. those unable to attend can click HERE to view the service.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Wayne Rice on September 15th at the Dr. L.A. Miller Centre after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 66 years old and was surrounded by his loving family. Predeceased by his parents Pearce and Myrtle Rice and leaving to mourn wife Jane Rice of 40 years, daughter Laura Curtis (Jamie), sister Betty Whiteway (Aubrey), and as well as a large circle of close relatives and friends.
The most important thing to Wayne was family and he was a devoted husband and father. He had a large circle of close family members from Baie Verte and surrounding areas, with whom he loved to have a laugh and play music.
After family, Wayne’s three passions were music, golf, and engineering. Wayne loved everything to do with music and guitars, whether it was sharing his favorite rock songs and videos with others, learning how to play classical and jazz guitar, or jamming with the boys in the band. He performed with several ensembles through the years such as the Anchormen Barbershop Chorus and the CBS Jazz Band.
Wayne loved golfing and played as much as possible. He shared his love of the game with everyone and was always working to improve his score. Being out on the green with his golfing buddies brought him true joy.
Wayne completed a Masters of Environmental Engineering and put this to good use over his 30 years as a dedicated NL Hydro employee. He always took pride in his work and spoke highly of his hydro colleagues.
We would like to acknowledge and express gratitude for the loving care provided by the Health Sciences Centre and Dr. L.A. Miller Centre staff as well as the various health care professionals involved in Wayne’s cancer treatment.
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, September 18 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road. Funeral service will be held from St. Thomas’ Anglican Church, 8 Military Road, on Thursday, September 19 at 11 a.m. with inurnment to follow in Anglican Cemetery, Kenmount Road.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Wayne’s name to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Schedule
Visitations
2-4 p.m. on September 18, 2024
7-9 p.m. on September 18, 2024
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
11:00am, Thursday September 19th
St. Thomas' Anglican Church
Inurnment to follow in the Anglican Cemetery, Kenmount Road.
Jane and family,
I am very saddened to hear the news. My deepest condolences. My memories of Wayne from our time at MUN are some of my fondest. He was one of the most positive people I have met and a true gentleman. May your memories give you comfort.
We were blessed in CBS Jazz Band to have such an excellent guitarist in Wayne. I admired the kind of Chet Atkins aura that he had. Always gracious and friendly, with a real love for the music. He will be missed!
My condolences to Jane, Laura, Betty, and family. Godspeed Wayne.
I met Wayne at Memorial while we were both studying engineering, and we reconnected professionally on several environmental projects during his time with NL Hydro. He was a real gentleman and will be missed by all who knew him. Rest easy with the angels my friend.
Jane,
We are soo sorry to hear about Wayne’s passing. Sending our deepest sympathy at this difficult time. To you and your family.
Barry and Pamela O’Rourke
Jane,
We are so deeply sorry for your profound loss. Craig and I throughly enjoyed our catch up with you both on Tibbs Eve each year. Sending love xo
Craig and Rosie Knee
Jane,
We are soo sorry to hear about Wayne’s passing. Sending our deepest sympathy at this difficult time. To you and your family.
Barry and Pamela O’Rourke
Jane , Laura , Betty and families my heart is saddened to hear the sad news of Wayne’s passing. My memories of our special times together came flooding back. The international dinner nights, parties at Topsail Pond and MUN campus, our weddings, the list is endless . Peter and Wayne shared a special friendship. Their special bond will once again continue for eternity.
Unfortunately, I will not be at home to attend the funeral. I am in Portugal for Erin’s wedding.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you will find comfort in the beautiful memories you have shared with Wayne.
To the Rice family
Our hearts and mines are with you all today we extend our sincere condolences .
Steve Belanger
I was deeply saddened to hear about Wayne’s passing. We were classmates in Baie Verte through elementary and high school, but lost touch in the years since then.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to the entire family during this difficult time.
Jane and Laura:
It has been said that you meet friends for a season, a reason or a lifetime. After meeting Wayne playing golf our friendship bridged all three. We shared a love of jazz , rock and classical guitar music , players and styles. His engineering prowess shone in his ability to adapt and master various techniques making him a very accomplished player.
Throughout his journey he maintained his sense of humour, downplayed the seriousness of his illness and spoke with optimism..
Wayne was a consummate gentleman whose humility , intelligence and kindness affected so many people.
He will be missed by many for a very long time .
Rest in peace my friend.
Steve
Every Christmas Eve, we’d gather to eat, socialize and play a few tunes at a family member’s house. It was the official start of the Christmas season for me and I’ll miss playing with Wanye. Thanks for the music.
Jane, Laura, Betty & families.
So sad to hear of Wayne’s passing. Our thoughts are with you today, tomorrow and always!
Keep looking forward and time will ease your inner pain.
Wallace & Linda Pinksen
Mrs Rice and family, so sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. Knew Wayne from the golf course, a great guy who loved the game. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. My deepest condolences.RIP
Jane, Laura, Jamie and family
Our sincere condolences for your loss. We have many fond memories of Wayne , especially during your time on Sheffield Pl. and of course Topsail pond.
Heartfelt condolences on the passing of Wayne from myself and Cathy. I knew Wayne many moons ago at the Holyrood plant.
Dear Laura and Family
My deepest condolences on the passing of your father
May he know Rest in Peace
Thinking of you and all family at this difficult time
Pamela Brown ❤️
To Jane and family
I was so shocked to hear of Wayne’s passing.. although we haven’t associated for a while I remember the good times we shared years ago. My deepest condolences.
David Porter
Deepest condolences to Laura, Jamie and family. I am so very sorry about Wayne’s passing. Wayne was a mentor to me when I joined Hydro. A great friend, a great teacher, and always fun to work with. I fondly remember his golf and guitar lessons. He certainly will be missed. – John Adams
I was saddened to hear of Wayne’s passing. I have fond memories of working alongside Wayne at Hydro over the years, as well as a game of golf or two. My condolences on the passing of a fine gentleman, taken far too soon.
Wayne loved to play music. He had a gift for achieving the right guitar tone in the songs we played in the CBS Jazz Band. I loved hearing his solos. I’m proud to have had the opportunity to rehearse and perform beside him. My deepest condolences to Wayne’s family
Sincere condolences to Wayne’s family and friends.
I was very saddened to hear of Wayne’s passing. I got to know Wayne playing alongside him in the CBS Jazz Band. He was an awesome guy and an exceptionally talented guitar player. My thoughts and prayers go out to Wayne’s loved ones at this difficult time.
Rest in peace Wayne.
To all of Wayne’s family I express my sincere condolences on his passing. I played many rounds of golf with Wayne at Clovelly in all types of weather.. I would get a text asking if I was playing today. If I said I was the next text from him would say hold on I am on the way. He was always looking for improvement which I think is typical for most engineers. We teamed up in some tournaments together and Wayne was always positive and cheerful regardless how we were playing. We always had a few laughs especially the time I held on to him as he was dangling over the water trying to fish out one of our buddies equipment that was slowly floating away from his cart that had rolled into the pond. Rest in peace Wayne. Hit them long and straight.
To Wayne’s family,
It was with sadness that I read of Wayne’s passing. He was certainly a great guy, a friendly coworker. Sending condolences and sympathies to his family and friends.
Jane Laura and family,
Our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Wayne. He was a true gentleman and someone I enjoyed every minute I had the pleasure of spending time with when we lived next to you guys at the pond. Our warm thoughts are with you. Scott Judy and Jack Giannou
Jane..Bob and I are so sorry to hear about Wayne. May all your happy memories help to ease your pain. May he RIP. Hugs to you all.
Laura and Jamie. So sorry to hear from Kate of your dad’s passing. Our sincere condolences to you and your mom at this sad time. May the love and support of family and friends give you comfort and may your many fond memories always keep him close to your hearts.
Gaye and Eugene Parsons
Sorry for your loss…condolences to the families….Gord & Maxine Wheeler
I had the privilege to work with Wayne when I first joined NL Hydro and for the years leading to his retirement. We spoke many times about guitars and music as much as we did about work.:)
I’ll remember his patience and kindness on the job as much as I’ll remember Wayne as being the only person I knew who saw Led Zeppelin in concert:).
Wonderful man, indeed.
Ron LeDrew
Jane, I am so sorry to hear this news of Wayne’s passing. He was an awesome person and I am sure he will be missed.
Condolences to Wayne’s family from David Jarvis.As a past coworker at NL Hydro I am very saddened to hear of Wayne’s passing.
To Laura, Jamie and Family. Very saddened to learn of Wayne’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Wayne for a few years at the Holyrood plant. A True professional and gentleman. A pleasure to work with. Family and friends will be in our thoughts during this difficult time. Amber and Shaun.
Jane and Laura,
We were so very sad to learn of Wayne’s passing. Wayne was such a great guy, great neighbor, amazing musician. We have many fond memories on topsail pond of summer parties when the boys would play and everyone came together to enjoy a day on the pond…. Wayne was also so positive, encouraging and complimentary. We know he will be missed immensely, .thinking about you and sending our condolences. Melanie, Andrew, Samantha and Nick.
To Jane and all of Wayne’s family: saddened to hear this news today., sincere condolences. Wayne was a great friend and golfing buddy. Over the past few years I have had many conversations with Wayne, jokes, laughter and always thoroughly enjoyed my time in Wayne’s company. I have kept in touch with Wayne during this journey and saddened to to hear this today. God’s speed Wayne. Rest in Peace!!
Betty and Family, we are so sorry to hear the sad news of the death of your much-loved brother. As a small and close-knit family, your loss of Wayne is especially keen. Do know your church family is holding you all in our prayers for strength and comfort at this terrible time. We know your precious Mom, especially, has welcomed Wayne home to her loving embrace and the life eternal with Christ in whom we have hope. Remember the words of our UC Creed “…in life, in death, in life beyond death…God is with us. We are not alone.” With love and prayers, Rev. Paula and the church family of St. Matthew’s United Church, Lewisporte
We were shocked to hear of Wayne’s passing. He was a great friend. We shared lots of laughs and great times growing up in Baie Verte. Big hugs going to Jane , Laura and Betty and family ! 🥰RIP Wayne ! ….Gary , Jeanie and family.
Jane and the rest of Wayne’s family, my deepest condolences on Wayne’s passing. Through the years, Wayne and I played a lot of golf together. He was a great guy and we had a lot of laughs along the way. It was only this weekend that I asked the guys I was playing golf with if anyone had seen Wayne around this year as I hadn’t seen him. He will be missed.
Shannon Keough
My sincere condolences to the family . May your wonderful memories carry you through this difficult time .
. We lived just up the hill from Wayne in Baie Verte and his mom “Aunt Myrt “was my god mother . I have very fond memories of the whole family. Once again I’m sorry for your Loss
To Wayne,s family and friends. I played a lot of golf with Wayne and each and every time I thoroughly enjoyed his company, with the game came a fair amount of fun banter back and forth. He will be truly missed. R.I.P. Wayne, hope you’re playing a beautiful golf course right now 🙏🙏⛳️. Donny Colbert
To Jane & Laura, and all the families:
My deepest condolences on Wayne’s passing.
I have so many great memories of him and you, his music, and the fact he was always such a very caring and courteous gentleman.
Please accept heartfelt sympathies from your former neighbours, all the Greenes.
God love him, may Wayne rest in everlasting peace.
Take good care,
Joe
Jane and Laura
So sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. We shared many rounds of golf in the past 10 years. We were not related by blood but our shared family with Uncle Bill and Aunt Rowena was just as good to Wayne. He will be missed. Please find comfort in the love of your family, friends and especially your memories of a wonderful husband, father and true gentle man. Rest in peace Wayne and God speed .
Darrin and Sylvie Sooley
Hearts Delight
Jane and family, Betty and family. So sad and shocked to learn of Wayne’s passing, only learned of him being ill a few days ago. I knew him all his life and we were guests at your wedding. We met occasionally over the years and once he came to our house and we jammed a bit on the violin and guitar. Music was into him. He was a gentle and quiet fellow, a real gentleman.. Gone way too soon.
Jane and Laura, so sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing.. My thoughts and prayers and with you and all of your family at this very sad and difficult time. May he rest in peace.
Vicki
I have very fond memories of both Wayne and Jane while living in Topsail Pond, Lots of fun across the street. My deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time, RIP Wayne.
Jane,
I am shocked and saddened to read of Wayne’s passing. May you find comfort in your memories. If you need anything, please reach out. May he rest in peace.
Jane and Laura, so very sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. I have fond and lasting memories of our Friday night jam sessions, and Wayne’s quiet leadership of the band. He truly loved playing, and sharing the joy of music with others. He had a great ability to be passionate about his interests, genuinely interested in other people, and be gentle and kind. Wayne was a true gentleman, and I am proud to have called him my friend.
Jane & Laura, so sorry to learn of Wayne’s of passing . Please accept our heart felt condolences and take comfort in your cherished memories. We will be thinking of you over the coming days.
Very sad to hear of Wayne’s passing. He was a friend of our family growing up and was a true gentleman. Please take comfort in his memory and know that others are thinking about you all.
Jane and Family,
On behalf of Compusult, please accept our heartfelt condolences. We recognize the profound impact this loss must have on your entire family.
During this difficult time, we hope you find strength and comfort in the support of family and friends.
I’m so very sorry to hear about Wayne’s passing. He was such a great man and a good friend. We spoke mostly at music stores and had a few good chats over the past few years. He was a great guy, a gentle man with a genuine interest in people and especially music and guitars. You will be missed buddy. Thanks for the friendship and the great conversations. A great guy gone way too soon… RIP Wayne.
So very sorry for your loss. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Loved listing to Wayne play guitar and sing. Always a pleasure when we got together. Many great memories. He will be missed so very much. .May your loving memories of Wayne bring you peace.
Jane,Laura(Jamie),Betty (Aubrey) and all the family and extended family and friends we were so saddened to hear of Wayne’s passing. Lots of well earned tears for this wonderful man, husband and friend. There are so many wonderful shared memories of Baie Verte and in recent years by the pond of Wayne and Jane’s home. Our hearts and love are with you all at this time.. Wayne will never be forgotten by myself and Russ and the Mitten family.. Love and comfort to you all Love Merrilynn and Russ Mitten/Sims
Jane, Laura and Family, Judy and I are so saddened by Waynes Passing, he was a Great Guy and we have great memories together all through our lives, Please accept our heartfelt sympathy. See you soon!