Wayne Francis Harrington

Wayne Francis Harrington was born in Cardiff, Wales, to Tina and Michael Harrington, on September 11, 1975. He grew up in Pentwyn, attending St. Bernadette’s School and St Illyd’s High school, and completing his A Levels at St David’s College. Wayne’s early years were full of adventures: fishing with his dad, trips abroad with the family, surfing, school rugby and Llanrumney Rugby club, and scheming up ways to make wild animals his pets. Truly, there was something intrinsically ‘wild’ about Wayne. He had a deep love of the outdoors from a young age, and an uncanny knack for navigating the wilderness. Asa young person, he was drawn to the wilds of the Brecon Beacons and Rudry Forestry Commission where he would fish, snare rabbits, and impress his friends with his survival skills. When he first arrived in Canada at 19, the allure of the country’s vast wilderness was no doubt a factor in his determination to stay. After an important trip back to Cardiff to be with his family, Wayne returned to Canada to complete his citizenship in 2002. He met Amanda, and the plan to build a meaningful life here was in motion. The two established a home base in Edmonton, were married in a private ceremony on Haida Gwaii in 2006, and soon welcomed two children, Oliver (2007-2024) and Edith (2009). Aside from a brief hiatus from the city (an ambitious four month tour up to the Arctic Circle and down to California with two small children and a husky dog crammed in a Hiace camper van), Edmonton was their home, and Wayne’s employment over the years with commercial construction has left his imprint on many landmarks in the city, from Southgate Mall to the University of Alberta campus to the Henday overpasses. In 2016 he was hired on with the City of Edmonton, where he became a valued employee, known for his work ethic, industriousness, and willingness to help. He even received the City’s Above and Beyond Award, when, during an ordinary work day, his quick thinking helped save the life of a stranger. Wayne spent as much free time as possible outdoors, particularly in the Rocky Mountains where he enjoyed camping, hiking, and skiing/snowboarding trips with friends and family. He instigated unforgettable backcountry and canoeing excursions, and completed several impressive climbs such as Mt Temple, Mt Edith Cavell, and Mt Michener. He was an avid and expert fisherman, always game to float for hours on a lake or scramble a river with a good mate, and could catch a fish out of the most unlikely puddle of water. As a friend, Wayne was loyal, generous, and a joy to be around; he could brighten any situation with his sense of humour and spot-on comic timing (this could also make him a menace on a night out). He was famous for welcoming friends for a lovingly prepared meal, ensuring everyone had a drink of choice, and then gradually turning up the stereo to enjoy his LPs at ear-splitting decibels. He loved his home and spent many hours beautifying his yard and working on his house, where he did everything from major undertakings like renovating the entire basement to intricate projects like creating window boxes with carved details for Edith’s window. Wayne was a loving and dedicated husband and father. He was immensely proud of Amanda and her successes as a teacher, and her subsequent promotion to assistant principal. His greatest joy was watching his kids grow and succeed. He spent hours cheering Oliver and Edith on at hockey, teaching them practical skills, and fostering their curiosity for the world at large. His love and attention left an indelible mark, helping his kids grow into remarkable, compassionate young adults. His perfect day: mountain biking with Oliver in the river valley, fascinating over all winged creatures with Edith, and walking the dogs with Amanda, ending it with a home cooked meal, shared at the dining table that he built. His family was his world. Despite the distance, Wayne spent hours on video calls with his family in Wales, sharing all the moments he could with his mom and sister. Throughout his near-two year battle with a rare cancer, Wayne was resilient, taking each setback in stride and approaching treatment with determination. His spirit was admirable, but even the best of us grow weary. On September 1, 2026, Wayne passed away surrounded by love, at the age of 50. He is survived by his wife Amanda Marshall and daughter Edith, mother Tina Harrington, sister Dionne and her husband Jason Woodiwiss and nephews, Joseph and Kian, mother-in-law Jennifer Marshall, father-in-law Mack Marshall, brother-in-law Aaron Marshall and his wife Sheila, and niece Kylee and her husband Dylan Lake. He is deeply loved and missed by all: immediate family, found Canadian family, numerous extended family members, and countless friends. Wayne joins son Oliver and father Michael in the wild beyond and eternal peace. In lieu of a formal service, friends and family are asked to honour Wayne by spending some intentional time outdoors, doing something they love and reflecting on the good fortune of our time together

Wayne Francis Harrington

September 11, 1975 - September 1, 2026