Obituary of Wayne Laurie McAllister

It is with heartfelt sadness that the family of Wayne McAllister announce his passing at the end of a valiant fight with cancer on September 26th, 2023. Wayne was born on April 26th, 1948, to the late Arthur McAllister and Dorothy (Steeves) McAllister in Moncton, New Brunswick.

Wayne was a caring son, wonderful brother, devoted husband, loving father, and doting grandfather. Wayne is survived by his wife, Deborah (Ryder), to whom he was married for 53 years, his two beautiful daughters, Michelle McAllister (Gilles Gauthier) and Misty Glaspy (Stephen), and his five grandchildren, Jacob (Caitlyn), Jayme (Andrew), Cortney, Cayla, and Caleb. To his grandchildren, Wayne was affectionately known as “Buddy”. Wayne is also survived by his four siblings, Evelyn Smith (Mac), Jim (Carol), June McGivern, and Cindy Embro (Tom), sisters-in-law Dareth Thorne (Reg), Alda Ryder (Don Douthwright), and several nieces and nephews.

Wayne was an electrician by trade, who began his career at the Saint John Dry Dock, then continued working as an electrician at the Saint John Airport. After more than 30 years of service, Wayne finished his career as the CEO of the Saint John Airport. Wayne will be remembered as an avid outdoorsman who held great enthusiasm for hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed spending his time playing cards and chatting with his friends, Jim

Bishop, Mark McLaughlin, Roy Knowlton, Randy Herrell and Bob McNamee.

Above all else, Wayne’s legacy rests in his true passion: his profound love for his family. Buddy took immense joy, in his own words, in being a “hands-on father and grandfather” who ensured, alongside his wife, that their children and grandchildren would be raised “knowing their love”. In this regard, Wayne and Deborah have been immeasurably successful.

The family of Wayne McAllister would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the Oncology and Palliative Care staff, particularly Margie, Diane and Deborah, at the Saint John Regional Hospital for the care and compassion that they provided to Wayne and his family. By request there will be no visitation or service. A private celebration of life will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Wayne, to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation.