Wayne Kehoe

Wayne Raymond Kehoe of Banff, Alberta, died peacefully in Mineral Springs Hospital at the age of 69 years with members of his family in his embrace. Born in Toronto, Ontario, he was the son of the late John Thomas and Margaret Kehoe of Don Mills, Ontario.

Loving husband of 49 years to Caroline Alice Kehoe, (nee Daniel), beloved father of son Robert and daughter Cherie and her husband, Kaarlo Rautio. Caring grandfather of two, Amanda and Eric Rautio.

Wayne is also survived by his sister, Eileen Cusato, and her husband Nick, children Paul, Anne-Marie, Sandra and Karen; his four brothers, Larry Kehoe (Dorothy), children Larry, Doralee and Sean; brother, Terry Kehoe (Dorcus), children Raymond and Richard; brother, Gerry Kehoe (Gail), children Steven, Kevin and Jason; brother, Tommy Kehoe (Angie), children Patricia and Katie.

As a successful entrepreneur, Wayne's many ventures included that as a salesman and for the last 40 years, a publisher. Starting out in Ontario working with his father Tom, and his brothers Larry and Terry, Wayne eventually branched out on his own uprooting his family in 1976 from Ontario to Vancouver, British Columbia. He remembered staying at one of the downtown hotels overlooking the ocean and telling himself,

"I want to live here, I want to do this!" And he did! From there, he branched out to do publications in Victoria, Calgary, Banff and Jasper, at the time, primarily a hard cover International Guide book, then eventually expanding to also do a smaller, more user-friendly walk-around book called Visitor's Choice. Always expanding, never staying constant, Wayne foresaw the need to cover more markets, keep generating ideas, and create more magazines, including A Taste of Banff, A Taste of Jasper and A Taste of Vancouver Island.

He instilled in his family a strong work ethic and strong sense of loyalty, and all members of his family, Robert, Cherie and Kaarlo have worked together in the family business for over 20 years. Being in the unique position to have spent almost every day together working in the business with Wayne, they see it as a privilege to continue his legacy.

His grandchildren have had the wonderful experience of sharing so many memorable times with their "Gump", a name coined by Amanda Rautio, for at the time being unable to pronounce otherwise.

The name affectionately stuck. Throughout their years, the grandchildren shared so much love and laughter from their Gump, and will surely keep these memories close, and pass along these experiences to their own children.

He left a void in his family's and friends' lives, impossible to fill. However, because of his sometimes outlandish and humourous story telling, his wit and charm, he will never be forgotten by all who knew and loved him. He will always be remembered for the great love he had for his wife of 49 years, his children, as well as his grandchildren who absolutely adored him. His incredible sense of humour will be surely missed by all who knew him, a quality that stuck to the very end, even with all the amazing hospital staff who looked after him during his weeks at Mineral Springs, and had the pleasure of getting to know him.

Family and friends came to visit ongoing, community offered support, helping Wayne and his family through this time.

Wayne, you died a very loved man.

We will miss you, and love you, always and forever.

Lovingly, your family and your friends.

Cremation has taken place

A Gathering of Friends and Family was held on Friday, October 21 in the Banff Park Lodge (2nd floor, Summit Room).

Family and friends gathered to celebrate the times they shared with Wayne. The invite was open to anyone who knew Wayne, and was able to attend.

Memorial Service was held on Saturday, October 22, in St. Mary's Parish Catholic Church, Banff.

Friends wishing to remember Wayne are encouraged to make a donation, in his memory, to the Banff Mineral Springs Hospital Memorial Fund, PO Box 1050, Banff T1L 1H7

Services provided by Russ Reynolds and Bow River Funeral Service.