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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
WELLS, David Wayne - Age 82, Halifax, died peacefully July 7, 2024, in a QEII Intensive Care Unit, Halifax, from critical complications caused by multiple chronic conditions.
Wayne was born in Halifax May 7, 1942. Raised in Halifax, he was a proud North Ender the greater part of his adult life. Wayne was the younger son of the late Robert Alfred Wells and Helen Irene (Auld, Wells) Dark.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 32 years, Doris May (Jennex) Wells; son, Phillip Wayne Wells (previous marriage), Dartmouth; grandson, Jesse Wayne Wells, Dartmouth; only sibling, Robert Desmond Wilson Wells, Halifax; sister-in-law, Iola Heisler, Halifax; several nieces, cousins. Predeceased by brothers-in-law, Bernard Heisler, Vincent Jennex, Murray Jennex; sisters-in-law Lorraine Jennex, Sandra Wells.
In his younger years, Wayne served in the Royal Canadian Navy, Sailing on HMCS Haida, Bonaventure and Athabaskan. Military training remained evident in him throughout his life. He was happiest when he was well groomed with his dress shoes nicely polished! Wayne enjoyed physical activities on and off the job. At work he was known by his first name, David (Dave). He was a life member of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers Local 752, with 35 years of active service. In 1968, Dave 26, was accredited with saving the life of a workmate, badly injured from falling 70 feet off a steel scaffolding, hitting part of the bridge abutment and thrown into the water at the A. Murray Mackay Bridge, Halifax Harbour Narrows. Dave dove into and swam through icy December water fully clothed and burdened with the accouterments of an ironworker’s trade to keep the unconscious man’s head above the water for about 20 minutes until they were both rescued by boat. “Had Wells not acted in the manner in which he did, without any thought for his own safety, it is doubtful whether the man could have been rescued in time.” Dave received a presidential certificate from St. John Ambulance for his heroic rescue.
Dave will be remembered for his unique walking style. Lest he forget, he always walked on the ground the way ironworkers needed to walk on the steel beams in the air, with his toes slightly turned inward. In his retirement, he enjoyed trips to Europe, Las Vegas, Florida and a cruise to Alaska. He would travel anywhere on a moment’s notice. He had many fond memories and developed lasting friendships from years spent in campgrounds in the Annapolis Valley.
Wayne will be remembered for his special personality that linked naturally with the very young and elderly. He was a faithful, daily helping hand to his Mother in her later years. Theirs was a special relationship, often interacting like a sister and a brother. And, puppies were known to be crazy about him, especially his dear little poodle, Mitzie!! One day a miracle took place in David Wayne’s life! He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He was no longer the man he once was. Praise God! He was eager to serve. He became a deacon of former Mulgrave Park Baptist Church and later Sheffield Baptist Church. He was dependable and always arrived early to carry out his responsibilities. His spirit was forever willing to serve but his flesh grew weak in recent years due to failing health. Now Wayne will be greatly missed for a little while. See you again, dear David Wayne, later in Heaven! Sincere thanks to all those who brought comfort and joy to Wayne throughout his life.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Sheffield Baptist Church, Wednesday July 17, 2024, 10am, Pastor Nego Pierre-Louis officiating. A reception to follow. Interment, Fairview Lawn Cemetery, Halifax. Memorial donations may be made to Sheffield Baptist Church, 80 Lincoln Cross Dr., Halifax, NS B3M 4M3. (Cruikshank’s Halifax Funeral Home)
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