Wayne Evan Linneberg passed away peacefully at the Chinook Hospice in Calgary, Alberta on June 30, 2014 with family by his side and under the gentle care of the Hospice staff.

Wayne was born in Eckville Alberta, April 26, 1942, the eldest son of Ture and Nora Linneberg. He grew up in the New Hill district of Central Alberta where his parents owned and operated a General Store and a British American Oil bulk fuel business, T. Linneberg and Sons. Wayne loved these years growing up in New Hill and even learned to drive behind the wheel of the gas truck at a very young age. He always said he grew up behind the counter of the store. This is most likely where he developed his keen interest in people, their idiosyncrasies, their stories, and what made them tick.

Wayne attended school in New Hill, Condor and David Thompson, graduating in 1960.

During his working life, Wayne was employed briefly with the Bank of Montreal and The Department of Lands and Forests, and then spent 30 years in various positions within the Oil and Gas Industry. Wayne was self taught, learning his craft on the job. He was a Materials Management and Procurement Specialist, a position in which he excelled. Wayne’s mind for detail and an uncanny memory made him a natural. During the last 15 years of his career, this work provided Wayne the opportunity for international assignments, working in Bangladesh, Japan and various other locations throughout the Middle East. He loved to travel, and to learn about and understand the many different cultures he encountered. Wayne had a zest for life and every single thing in it. He had a genuine interest in people and was keen to learn everything he could about every person he met.

Wayne had a set of principles by which he lived his daily life. He stood fast by his convictions and never wavered. Wayne was honest and trustworthy, kind and loving, a story teller, an actor, and a writer. He had a great sense of humor and loved to make you laugh. In reflecting on Wayne’s passing, one of our nephews remarked: “They say when an old man dies a library burns down.” This is certainly true of Wayne. He was the storyteller - the keeper of the stories, many of which he has written down. Yet, there are hundreds more stories that we will miss hearing in the voice and style that was so unique to him.

Wayne is lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend Marlene, one son Grant (Lindsay) Linneberg of Calgary, one daughter Laura (Andy) Jeans of Red Deer, and five grandchildren: Jasper Linneberg, and Robert, Anna, Katelyn and Maxwell Jeans. He is also survived by his brother Stanley (Doreen) Linneberg of Edmonton and numerous nieces and nephews and extended family. Wayne was predeceased by his mother and father, Nora and Ture Linneberg as well as one sister, Doreen Ann.

A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held at the Spruce View Community Hall on Thursday, July 10, 2014 at @ 2:00 pm. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alberta Lung Association, The Stephan G. Stephansson Icelandic Society or the charity of your choice.