Clifford Wayne Geldart

In Loving Memory of Clifford Wayne Geldart
“Wayne’s legacy will be that he was a kind and loving man. I will miss my brother.”
Gary Geldart

Clifford Wayne Geldart—known to everyone simply as Wayne—will be remembered as a kind and gentle soul whose laughter, loyalty and unmistakable sense of style left a lasting impression on all who knew him. He had a contagious smile that made the world seem brighter, and he met life with enduring positivity.

Wayne loved to laugh. A natural tease, he delighted in playful conversations and good-natured exchanges, especially while visiting with family. Time spent with his brothers and sisters often became an opportunity for stories, jokes, and lively back-and-forth—the kind of moments that brought everyone closer and created memories to treasure. He shared meaningful bonds with his nieces and nephews, and their love for him was unmistakable.

Wayne was also an exceptional listener. He gave people his full attention and took a genuine interest in what they wanted or needed to say. He was honest and never hesitated to express what he believed to be true, whether his opinion had been requested or not. Yet even in his candour, he showed empathy and understanding. He was always ready to help anyone who asked, and those around him knew him as a truly kind and wonderful man.

Commitment was central to Wayne’s character. Whether to family, friends or work, once he made a commitment, he could be counted on to show up and give his best. As a big brother, he was a steadfast protector who always stood up for his family. No matter where life took him, Wayne never forgot his mother during her extended illness. Even from afar, he found meaningful ways to remind her that he carried her always in his heart.

Wayne worked hard throughout his life, spending much of his career in administrative roles in remote communities. In the 70’s his work took him from Labrador’s Churchill Falls Generating Station—at the time North America’s largest civil engineering project—to Alberta, where he eventually retired in Edmonton. For at least 15 years prior to retirement, Wayne provided contracting services to Enbridge. He served as field contracts administrator—a role that reflected his diligence, reliability and commitment. Wayne continued his work there until 2021, when health reasons led him to step away.

And then there was Wayne on the dance floor. He loved to dance and seemed happiest when the music began. He had rhythm to spare. He could jive with two ladies at once, dance a lively polka and glide through a beautiful waltz. To his family, he was their very own Fred Astaire.

Wayne was equally memorable for his appearance. Always meticulous and impeccably dressed, he kept up with the latest styles and took pride in looking his best. His wardrobe, however, was one part of his life he was not especially eager to share with either older or younger siblings—a detail remembered with affection and a smile. As one of his sisters said, “Wayne worked hard all his life as shown by the beautiful gifts he gave and the expensive cologne that he used. He always smelled so good.”

News of Wayne’s passing brought an outpouring of affection from friends. Calls and messages remembered him as “one of the good guys.” At a recent Moncton Y Alumni meeting, a woman who grew up near the Geldart family, shared that Wayne was the brother she never had—a heartfelt reflection of the place he held in the lives of those beyond his immediate family.

His nieces and nephews also fondly remembered his visits to Moncton and the generosity that made those occasions especially memorable. As one nephew commented, Wayne’s visits were characterized by laughter and giving. “I loved when he visited Moncton, and especially the red ($50) or brown ($100) bills he’d give all of us.”

Our brother’s life was not always easy, yet he met its challenges with courage and determination. His family remains deeply proud of his journey of sobriety, which reflected both the strength of the human spirit and the sustaining power of God. In his final years even as his struggle with COPD grew more difficult, Wayne never gave up or lost his ability to laugh. The Geldart family is grateful to Wayne’s Edmonton “sister”, Liza Lariviere, and the residents and administration of Groat House Apartments, whose friendship and care helped make his final years happy and meaningful.

Wayne’s life was marked by humour, honesty, dedication and love. He listened deeply, spoke truthfully, worked faithfully and protected those he cherished. Always positive and always smiling, he brought warmth wherever he went. His laughter, his dancing, his sharp clothes and, above all, his steadfast and generous presence will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family and friends.

May the memory of Wayne’s generous spirit continue to bring comfort, laughter and gratitude to all whose lives he touched.

Born in Moncton, New Brunswick on August 23, 1945, Wayne was the third child and eldest son of Clifford (“Red”) and Rowena (Jones) Geldart. He is survived by his siblings: Sharon Geldart (late Jim Henderson), Moncton, New Brunswick; Judy Robinson, Halifax, Nova Scotia; Donna Carson (John), Woodstock New Brunswick; Gary Geldart (Dee), Manor, Texas; Wendy O’Blenis (Peter), Riverview, New Brunswick; Greg Geldart (Margaret), Fredericton, New Brunswick. As mentioned, Wayne treasured his nieces and nephews: Tim Trites (Lisa), Lisa Trites (Trevor), Andrew Trites (Jennie), Bobbi-Jo Wry, Marty Wry, Craig White (Lynette); Terra White-Levair (Jamie), Trevor Carson (Julie), Gregg Geldart (Lesley), Adam Geldart (Kim), Andrew Geldart, Ryan Paylor (Ashley), Michael Paylor (Brittney), Kyle Paylor (Sarah), Daniel O’Blenis and Claire Geldart (Dan McGrath) in addition to 26 great nieces/nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Mapleton Rotary Lodge, 600 Mapleton Road, Moncton, New Brunswick on Wednesday, November 18 from 11 am – 1 pm. A Graveside Service will be held the same day, 2 pm, at Fairhaven Cemetery, Salisbury Road, Moncton, New Brunswick.

In lieu of flowers, donations Edmonton’s Hope Mission (https://hopemission.com), a charity Wayne supported, the Canadian Lung Association or charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.