On September 12, 2021, God welcomed a true saint into Heaven with the passing of my long-standing friend of 64 years and 10th generation Acadian – my identical twin brother, Wayne Joseph Melanson.
We shared a room growing up in Corberrie, were in the same classrooms at Concessions Elementary, Comeauville Elementary, Clare District High School, and at University Sainte-Anne. We both had long careers with Parks Canada and worked side-by-side trying to ensure that the voices of the Mi’kmaq, Early French and Acadian Settlement resonated with visitors from throughout the world. Wayne was a true cultural ambassador.
Wayne was a kind and compassionate person who always put others first. He was true and loyal, smart and witty, selfless and strong, and always put forth his best effort. During a forty-year career with Parks Canada, Wayne only missed three days of work until he was stricken with cancer in 2020. He was a true mentor who earned the loyalty and respect of his employees by working harder than anyone, leading by example, and by always looking after the needs and defending the rights of those he supervised. Wayne was in the top echelon of his field in Canada.
On top of being a smart individual, Wayne excelled in sports and played on many high school and university varsity teams. He was also involved in drama. Wayne always felt that a combination of academics, athletics, culture and nature led to a well-balanced life.
Wayne will be missed by everyone who knew him and will certainly leave a void in the field of heritage presentation in Canada, but he also leaves a legacy for others to follow and emulate.
I want to express my heartfelt thank you to his beloved partner, Marilyn Hunt, for her compassionate caring and devotion to Wayne during his fourteen-month battle with cancer.
Our family is stricken with grief, but strengthened by the fact we got to know, interact with, and enjoy the company of a simple man who became a legend. We ask that you remember him fondly and honour him by being kind and respectful to everyone you encounter in life.
MELANSON, Wayne Joseph - 64 of Clementsport, formerly of Corberrie, passed away on September 12, 2021 at the Annapolis Community Health Centre in Annapolis Royal. Born in Yarmouth on July 6, 1957, he was the son of the late Leslie Alexandre and Anne Bernadette (Lorgéré) Melanson. Wayne was an outstanding student and athlete at Clare District High School and received a full scholarship to pursue a French Honours Degree at University Sainte-Anne in Church Point. He followed that with a Teaching Degree, specializing in Physical Education, from Teacher’s Collage in Truro, where his mother, Bernadette, and his sister, Patricia, received their teaching degrees. Wayne taught at Caledonia School and Liverpool School in Queens County. In 1986, Wayne returned to Parks Canada, where he had worked as a student, and put in a stellar career until he was stricken by cancer. He became the face and soul of Port-Royal National Historic Site. Working with Parks Canada took most of his time, but on days off he enjoyed gardening with Marilyn, his partner of 32 years. Wayne was kind and respectful of everyone he met and always put other people’s needs ahead of his own. Wayne is survived by his partner, Marilyn Hunt, Clementsport; sister, Patricia (François), Little Brook; brothers, Alan (Durline), Annapolis Royal and Richard (Sheila), Saint Alphonse; nephew, Randall (Bonnie) and their children Brycen, Tanner and Vivikka, New Minas and his aunt, Émilie Melanson, Saulnierville. Thank you to all doctors, nurses and staff at both the Annapolis Community Health Centre and Valley Regional Hospital who rendered loving care to Wayne during his battle with cancer. Thank you to the nurses of the VON for giving in-home care when needed. A special thank you to Danny Blinn for being such a great friend to Wayne and Marilyn during their time of need. As per his request, Wayne's body will be cremated, and no visitation or funeral service are planned. In lieu of flowers, donations in Wayne's memory may be made to the Friends of the Annapolis Royal Library.
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For our Photo Tribute, click on Wayne's picture below. Please respect the family's privacy during this very difficult time.