Carmen “Wayne” McNanney

November 2,1936 - February 24, 2025 

Wayne McNanney went gentle into that  good night on the morning of February 24th. Born in Breslau, Ontario, to Clifford and Jeanette (née Reinhart) McNanney, he is survived by his wife, Barbara Dembek; sister, Colleen Lisi and husband Domenic; by in-laws, nephews and niece.  

Wayne was a remarkable individual. He graduated with degrees in Philosophy and English and taught English at Bishop Macdonell in Guelph, Grand River Collegiate and KCI. At KCI, he pioneered film studies and occasionally played the piano in the auditorium for the entire screening of a silent movie - without any printed music! He was the co-creator of the Charlie film awards. Wayne particularly liked teaching the unconventional students, the square pegs that didn’t fit the round holes.

Later in his service to the Waterloo Region District School Board, he assumed the position of English consultant, then coordinator, in which he mentored and supported a truly substantial number of English teachers.

Despite never having learned to swim, he enthusiastically rafted down the Grand River near Elora, necessitating the odd rescue from a fellow teacher. He drove zippy cars, loved travelling, seeing much of the world in his travels. His passions were the arts, music, film, good food, wine, and conversation.

After retirement he resumed playing the piano, adding to his repertoire with jazz and blues lessons. In almost all respects, Wayne loomed larger than life, much to the delight of his students, colleagues and friends. Raise a glass to to this special man with a kind and gentle heart.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 173 Lourdes St., Waterloo on March 18th at 11 am. Reception to follow in parish hall.

Donations may be made in Wayne’s memory to Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontières. 

Messages and condolences may be left at ww.tricitycremations.com. Please visit Wayne’s obituary notice on Facebook.