M. Wayne Horricks

HORRICKS, M. Wayne
June 25, 1938 – January 12, 2018

Our dad, husband, papa and friend breathed his last breath and went to the sweet bye and bye on January 12th.  We mourn, as we have lost something more precious than gold and silver and we feel peace as he no longer has to endure the difficulty and pain that was so prevalent in his final weeks and months.

Wayne began his early life in Hastings Coulee and his beloved Forestburg.  He often recounted with fondness the influences of Air Cadets and Sports such as basketball, baseball and curling had on him.  Papa, as Wayne was affectionately known by his grandchildren, would often revel in the successes and stories of his playing days, when he had a captive audience.

Wayne married Sylvia 54 years ago and they lived and danced (literally) in a way that was real and beautiful, a true model for all.  After a brief time “Down East” they returned to Olds, Alberta and eventually settled in the Thorncliffe area of Calgary to raise a family.  Through their genuine involvement in people’s lives Wayne and Sylvia made many lifelong friends along that journey.  They understood true involvement in people’s lives, often at the most difficult of times.  Many have taken the time to share these stories with us and for that we are grateful. 

Whether it was the early days  in the Refineries, as an Operator/ Construction Supervisor at Alberta Natural Gas, a Safety Professional at Dome Petroleum/Amoco and eventually his own Safety Consulting Company, Wayne enjoyed and took great satisfaction in his work.  He worked diligently and became a Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.) and a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) and held many Safety Auditor Certifications.  He was a true pioneer in the oil and gas world and was influential in introducing many initiatives such as First Aid and CPR.   These and many other practical safety solutions were brought forth by pioneers such as Wayne.

Wayne took great pleasure in the success that all of his offspring and loved ones had.  He created an atmosphere of expectation whether it be in formal education or practical learning and followed it with real and generous support. 

Wayne’s love for music began at an early age.  He loved to sing, and was good at it, up to his last years.  He had a song for all occasions.  There was often questions whether these songs were created in the moment or part of a massive catalogue of music that was waiting for the opportunity to burst forth.  In his later years he added the banjo to his musical abilities.  Although he did not have enough years to master it, he enjoyed a rousing rendition of Ring the Bell and would play it for anyone willing to listen or dance along with him. 

We consider it a true gift that we were able to have Dad home to celebrate Christmas.  In this time, we all celebrated with food and drink and Dad got to enjoy the presence of his children and grandchildren; Rob and Zenya Horricks (Rama), Gayle and Tony Vanags (Lauren and Charissa) and Warren and Kim Horricks (Amanda, Aaron and Nate).  We consider ourselves blessed and better off for being raised under the concern, guidance and profound love he provided.

To those that have walked faithfully beside Wayne and Sylvia, especially these last days and weeks, we say thank you with all the gratitude we have.  Your words, calls and visits have meant the world.  

A Celebration Service will be held at Northmount Baptist Church at 2 pm, Friday January 19. 

Dad wrote his own story for the book that was being printed as part of the anniversary of Forestburg.    If you want to hear his story in his own words… here it is

Forestburg Story of Wayne Horricks, by Wayne Horricks

I was raised on a farm located in the Hastings Coulee district along with my siblings Marilyn (Saboe) & brother Manville. During my childhood I remember my father saying that one day we will have a paved road going by our farm in place of the muddy dirt road.  This period of my life was a challenge as I was raised without the luxury of electricity or running water. However we had sufficient food to eat during these years.  I attended the Hastings Coulee School for Grades 1-3, then we were bussed into Forestburg for my remaining years of school.  To get to Hastings Coulee School we took either a horse and buggy, sleigh, or saddle horses.  To keep warm during the trip, we would warm a brick, wrap it in a cloth and place it under our feet to keep them warm.  We also had to care for our horses when we arrived at school (provide feed and water, and clean the stalls) before we could start our studies. 

Because there was no TV or other types of entertainment, we played a lot of sports.  Forestburg had an excellent senior baseball team which I started playing for at the age of 12 or 13.  A few of us were asked to play for other teams on occasions and we were able to earn some money doing this. 

   I was fortunate to belong to the Forestburg # 550 air cadet squadron.  Most of my friends were also members and we were supplied with coats, shirts, boots /socks, etc. which we were allowed to wear to school.  We were also blessed with Cadet leaders that were second world war veterans and served as worthy role models to all cadets.  One of these leaders was Carl Farvolden (Commanding Officer). He and his wife Doris treated me like a son and gave me support and encouragement which contributed to my life successes.

Following graduation from Forestburg High School I joined the 418 Reserve Squadron in Edmonton. My Commanding Officer in this squadron had a brother who was the Personnel Manager at the Edmonton Texaco Refinery. When I applied for work at the refinery following my reserve service, I was hired as an operator because of my affiliation with the Reserves. In 1963 I was transferred to the Port Credit Ontario refinery. Later that year, I was married to my wife Sylvia Rancier on October 8, 1963. We lived and worked at Port Credit, Ontario until the spring of 1965 when we moved back to Olds Alberta.  After spending 5 years at a sour gas plant at Olds, I accepted a position at the new Cochrane Extraction plant. During these years I spent many hours taking courses and upgrading my education and was able to become a Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.).  Following this I became a Canadian Registered Safety Professional, (C.R.S.P.) and a Certified Safety Auditor (C.S.A.). I retired from Amoco Canada in 1995 and started my own safety business which I operated for several years.

Our Forestburg Connections:      Sylvia & I have enjoyed the many anniversaries and special occasions that the community of Forestburg has held over the years. We have spent a week or two each year at the wonderful Forestburg golf course camp site renewing our friendships. We have also been able to participate in several reunions held in the community over the years. One of the occasions we were very involved with was the Air Cadet reunion held in 1977. This reunion honoured the Squadron Commanding officers, Instructors and Members of the Civilian Committee and was an opportunity for the cadets to express their thanks and show their appreciation to these leaders. The many hours they spent training had an immense impact on our lives.  They were fine examples and role models to all of us.   

Forestburg School Reunion Aug 2007:      On Jan 10, 2007 there was a very cold blizzard in the Forestburg district. However, several people ignored the weather and gathered at the Forestburg curling rink to explore the possibility of organizing a school reunion.  The reunion was to be held in the Forestburg Community Centre.   Several committees were organized and I had the privilege of acting as the chairman.  Due to the efforts of all these committee members the reunion was enjoyed by all. This reunion was a huge success and a second reunion was planned and held in August of 2012.

Life also had some sad occasions.  My father, Wilbur passed away while visiting us in Ontario April 29, 1965 and my mother (Margaret) on March 13, 1989. My brother (Manville) passed away on August 7, 1998 followed by my oldest sibling (Marilyn) who died on March 22, 2005.

Our generation has seen more changes than any other in history.  We lived through putting a man on the moon, telephone communication changing from party lines to individual cell phones, changes in farming methods that have resulted in drastically increased yields, among other major changes.   However, one of the constants has been the friendships that began in Forestburg.  They also say the best and most valuable antiques are old friends.  We feel blessed with having so many great friends both in and from the Forestburg area.