Wayne Daniel Burbank, beloved husband of Joan Burbank of Fort Macleod, passed away at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital on Saturday, May 13, 2006, at the age of 71 years.
He is the loving father of Dan (Robin) of Fort Macleod, Penny of Medicine Hat, Darren (Loni) of Fort Macleod, Tami (Randy) Nemeth of Lewiston, Idaho. He leaves behind 15 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Wayne is also survived by Luella Holt (Murray) deceased and Harold and Jean Burbank.
He is predeceased by his parents Alden Marion Burbank and Millie Simmons/Burbank; brothers Lenard Smith, James Smith; sister Mildred Evelyn Smith (Fremsted), and a brother Stanley Alden Burbank.
Wayne was born April 23, 1935, at home on a farm 2 miles south of Claresholm to Alden and Millie Burbank. He was a beautiful, happy child and won a district baby beauty contest. He was a joy to his brothers and sisters.
As he grew it was the depression years. Money was hard to come by so he and his brothers used their imaginations and built their toys out of anything available.
His love for animals, especially horses came at a young age. Marion would put his boys up on the backs of the work teams and they were so glad just to be able to go for a short jaunt to the barns.
His love for farming and ranching started at age five or six when he would make corrals out of sticks, horses out of wood and would play for hours in the dirt.
The family moved to Shaughnessy when he was 10 and in 1952 they moved to Fort Macleod where he has resided ever since. Wayne met and married the love of his life, Joan Mary Anne McAllister. They were married in 1959 and have spent the last 46 1/2 years together on the family farm. They had four children who were each different, each precious.
As life proceeded, he was able to go motor biking, snowmobiling and horseback riding in the mountains. He rode on existing trails and when there was no trail, he would forge through the brush until he found one. He loved the sound, smells and beauty of the mountains. He loved his family, friends and neighbors.
Wayne wasn’t a big man but he left big footprints for us to follow. He was always there whenever someone needed him. He was a dedicated member of the church, serving in the Bishopric for 13 years, a Scouter for 22 years, Ward Missionary Leader, and High Priest group leader. He loved the Lord and showed this through his actions and deeds.
Wayne was a very determined man in the latter stages of his life and was convinced he could beat cancer. His example of “work hard” and “not giving in to setbacks” was apparent as he fought valiantly and endured to the end.
His motto in life was: It’s not the size of the man in a fight but the size of the fight in the man. He lived by this motto.
“In my Father’s house there are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”
Wayne was at home and cared for by his devoted wife, Joan, until the morning of his passing. He was surrounded by his loving family and passed away peacefully.
Friends met the family on Thursday, May 18, 2006, from 7-8:30 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Fort Macleod, and prior to the service on Friday from 10-10:45 a.m.
Funeral services were held on Friday, May 19, 2006, at 11 a.m. at the Fort Macleod LDS Chapel, with Bishop Brian Waldie officiating. Interment followed in the Union Cemetery, Fort Macleod.
