K. Wayne McCracken

Today, my dear father, who is my closest friend, advisor and confidant passed away after serious health struggles over the past couple of years.

He was larger than life. 

He positively impacted more people than he could possibly have known - family, friends, colleagues, clients and a huge community in Tanzania, who see him as their grandfather. 

His incredible intellect, sharp wit, unfailing integrity and uncanny ability to do everything he ever did at an awe-inspiring level, mean that our world, and especially my world has a huge gaping hole in it today. And yet, through this intense sadness, I know that everything I do, say, think and feel will always be imbued with his essence and spirit.

Today, in his honour, I ask that all of you who loved and admired him, help me, my mother and family send his spirit on its journey home by listening to Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring or Air for a G String by Bach. Bach was my father’s most beloved composer or in his word’s “the ultimate musical genius.” If you are not Bach inclined, crank up Henry Mancini’s Theme from Peter Gunn. My father’s high school band, Two Sharps and Flat played this piece at a school graduation many years ago, even though my father’s e-string snapped on his violin mid performance.

While listening to one of these pieces, read my father’s favourite poem, Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard by Thomas Gray. His favourite verse, 

“the boast of heraldry, the pomp of pow’r, And all that beauty, all that wealth e’er gave. Awaits alike th’ inevitable hour. The paths of glory lead but to the grave,”

Seems more than relevant today. Or, if you prefer, read anything from Shakespeare, my father’s favourite playwright, perhaps a little “To be or not to be.” Then, close your eyes, and picture you are on the Serengeti, the long golden grasses blowing in the warm breeze. You are following a lioness on the prowl and in the distance, a black line appears. The black line moves closer and closer and suddenly takes shape, becoming a mass of wildebeest and zebras, the start of the great migration. This is the moment he would have loved to live on repeat. 

This year, whether or not you are a baseball fan, cheer the Blue Jays on, in honour of one of the greatest Blue Jays fans ever. I will give details about his memorial service, which will not be until April. I want to make sure to honour him the way he would want and expect from me. 

If you have memories about my father or pictures with him, please send them to me, I want to collect as many anecdotes and photos as I can. 

He was amazing. 

I can barely imagine a minute without him, let alone the rest of my life.

I’ve had to let him go but my heart will hold on forever.

“Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, For thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff, They comfort me still. Thou prepares a table before me In the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointed my head with oil; My cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy Shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house Of the Lord forever."

He is survived by his daughter Deborah McCracken-Nangereke, who loved him more than life. His wife Ginette McCracken (née Roberge) who he adored. His son in law Putiyei Nangereke, who shared his love of the Savannah. His grandchildren Serianne and Kenneth, who were deeply blessed by knowing him. His step sons, Daniel and Richard Demers, their wives and partners Andrée and France. His older grandchildren Milène and Eric, their partners and children. And his extended and loving family.

A memorial service for Wayne will be held in April, please return to this webpage to confirm details closer to the date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Wayne's name may be made to a charity of your choice.