1943-2026
Wayne Buck died peacefully, surrounded by family, on Tuesday October 27, 2026, at the age of 82. Wayne was a devoted husband to Lynda (nee Meyers) of 61 years, and devoted to his children, David (Carolin), Graham (Bronwen) and Heather, as well as his grandchildren Liam, Rhianna, Dylan, Roy, Abel and Pippin. He is survived by his siblings, sister-in-law Beth, Carol (Brent), Bowyer, Glenn (Esther), Grant (Lee) and brother-in-law Thomas Ervasti. Predeceased by his brother, Craig and sister-in-law Margaret Ervasti.
Wayne was born in Brantford to mother Lillian (Hare) and father, Francis Buck, on December 12, 1943. Wayne grew up in London, Ontario where he developed his love of athletics, learning, and people. Wayne’s first years teaching were on Manitoulin Island. While there he found many of his lifelong passions: singing, gardening, training dogs, baking, and being in nature. Wayne continued as an elementary school teacher for 34 years, all the while raising a family and caring for their property (another passion) just outside of New Hamburg.
Wayne touched countless lives through his enduring love of nature. Over his lifetime, he was a member of many naturalist organizations, including Waterloo Region Nature with whom he often led hikes. He was especially interested in bluebirds and plants, spending his retirement establishing a family-run native plant business on the property. The family laughs that he had more pictures of plants than of them! In retirement, he also started hiking the Bruce Trail with dear companions. Wayne hiked the Bruce Trail end to end, a distance of approximately 900 km, 8 times; an accomplishment he was proud of.
He enjoyed running with several local groups, completing several marathons, half marathons and triathlons. His love of poetry and music was equally memorable. He loved playing his guitar often around campfires, and he sang with the Grand Philharmonic for 20 years. He would delight friends with his ability to recite poetry from memory, often on a trail or on one of the many canoe trips he took with his family and even his students.
Wayne’s many interests never overshadowed his love and appreciation for family. Lynda and Wayne’s partnership, friendship and deep abiding respect for each other shone for all to see. Wayne’s favorite thing was to work together, share a meal, laugh hard and appreciate daily life. Wayne knew he was lucky.
Wayne’s friends and family will remember him as a passionate baker and lover of food, a hard worker, a thinker, a person willing to help and a constant support. He will be missed.
A Time of Stories and Songs (drop-in Celebration of Life) will be held Sunday, November 22, 2026, from 2:00 - 5:00 pm at the Waterloo Knights of Columbus Conference Centre, 145 Dearborn Place Waterloo.
If you would like to make a donation in Wayne’s memory, please consider donating to The Bruce Trail Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy of Canada, or Ontario Nature.
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