Obituary of Wayne Sears

It is with great sadness that the family of Wayne Edwin Sears of Salisbury, shares of his passing on April 20, 2024.  Born on Grand Manan on August 10, 1935, he was the son of the late Leslie and Ethel (Sollows) Sears.

As a teenager Wayne was mentored by taxidermist and ornithologist Allan L. Moses. This led to bird study and taxidermy becoming a lifelong interest.  His mounted birds can be seen in various public buildings and homes, including contributions to the Grand Manan Museum where he acted as taxidermist since it’s establishment.  An avid outdoorsman and conservationist he supported the National Audubon Society, the Maine Audubon Society and Ducks Unlimited.  

Wayne was encouraged by musician Paul Miller to become involved in Old Time Gospel Music.  As a young man, he especially enjoyed visiting the small churches with his familiar Gibson guitar in the Maritimes and Maine, contributing special music and song leading.

In the early days, the family spent summers and holidays at the camp he and Erma built on their woodlot in Millstream.  It was Wayne’s ‘happy place’ to enjoy quiet and nature, which even in recent years he continued to visit daily whenever he could.  Wayne was a man of faith and had been involved in the local church in Millstream for over 60 years.  

Always keen to go for a drive, there were many long car rides with the family and a succession of Labrador Retrievers.  Wayne enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially with his son, Roger.  He also always had a great love for baseball, playing when he was able and cheering from the sidelines later in life.

He was employed with T. Eaton Co. for over 40 years, holding various jobs in both men’s wear and transportation.

Survived by daughter, Dr. Donna Sears of Kentville, NS; son, Roger and daughter-in-law, Tracy of Salisbury; and brother-in-law, Rev. Arnold Stairs of Charlottetown.

Predeceased by his beloved wife, Erma (2018); parents; sister, M. Leota Stairs, and brother, Rev. Stanley Sears (Sybil). 

Arrangements are entrusted to Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, NB, from where visitation will be held on Thursday, April 25 from 6 to 8 pm. A celebration of Wayne’s life will take place at the Wallace Community Chapel on Friday, April 26 at 11:00 am with Rev. Art Maxwell officiating.  

There will be a time of fellowship with the family following the service. The interment will take place in Head of Millstream Wesleyan Church Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Wayne may be made to Cornerstone Community Church (River Glade, NB), the Head of Millstream Wesleyan Church (Cemetery Fund) or charity of choice. Personal condolences to the family and donations may be made through wallacefuneralhome.com.