February 5, 1946 - June 26, 2022
In Loving Memory ~
Wayne passed away in Kamloops, BC at the age of 76. He died as he had lived, working tirelessly against health issues that in the end overcame him. Wayne spent most of his life with his loving wife, Wendy of over 53 years. Together they shared a deep love which expanded out to their children and grandchildren. He was a kind-hearted and caring man, who had a deep reservoir of strength that saw him through many challenges he faced over the course of his life. Wayne was a wonderful father, grandfather, husband, uncle, and friend. He enriched the lives of those around him with his immense generosity, unbreakable work ethic and unmistakable humor.
Raymond Wayne Higgins was born on Feb 05, 1946, in Kamloops BC, to his parents, RaymondMorris and Grace Higgins. Wayne later moved to Kelowna, BC where he started working at ABC Auto Wreckers, where his love for stock car racing had started. At 18 years of age, he started driving trucks for Van-Kam Freightways. In 1984 he relocated as a Terminal Manager to Williams Lake. In 1993 he became an Agent for Van-Kam as Cariboo Truck Terminals. And the rest is history. In his 38 years of trucking in Williams Lake, Wayne went from one truck, one forklift and one employee, to six trucks and 19 employees! Nothing short of single-minded determination and sheer hard work made his family business a success and an asset to the community.
While Wayne's single defining trait was his work ethic, he also knew how to enjoy life. His earlier years were spent hunting, fishing, camping and stock car racing. Wayne's artistic side was expressed through many, many metal-works projects, his flair for cartooning, his love of mechanics and his uncanny ability to correctly identify any song with the artist and year. His later years found Wayne in the kitchen baking cookies and perfecting the Dump Cake. Wayne was also very fond of animals, with his dog Mater taking a prominent place in his heart. Wayne's very favorite pastime, however, was cruising around in his 2015 convertible gunmetal-grey Mustang with his wife by his side.
Wayne is survived by his wife, Wendy; children, Tommy (Toni), and Lyn; grandchildren, Robby, Dayne, Shaunti, Suida, and Kai; and great-grandchild, Anson; brother, Michael Bolton. As well,he leaves behind numerous brother and sister-in-laws, nieces, and nephews who loved him dearly. He is predeceased by his parents, Raymond and Grace, sister, Erin Campbell; niece,Marie Ruesgen and nephew, Byron "Hoochie" Paulson.
As an expression of sympathy memorial donations made in Wayne's name to The Kidney Foundation or to a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.
A Celebration of Life to be announced later.