Wayne Howard Bamber

Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Wayne followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, embracing a passion for photography. His grandfather owned a successful portrait studio in Leduc, Alberta, and his father operated a mobile studio in Calgary, capturing yearbook memories for University of Calgary students.

Wayne's adventurous spirit, a beacon of inspiration, led him through various jobs, boasting at least fifty different roles in just a few years after high school. This quest for discovery defined his life, leading him to careers that were as varied as they were fulfilling. He also was happy to have eliminated fifty jobs early in life that he didn't want to pursue.

In 1974, Wayne met and married Gerry, and together, they built a life in Calgary with their two beautiful daughters, Christy, born in 1979, and Janine, born in 1981. Wayne's career was a testament to his innovative vision and hard work. He founded Bamber Electronics Ltd. in 1979. Later, in 1984, he established Alberta Printed Circuits Ltd. His contributions revolutionized the custom circuit board industry, emphasizing quicker turnaround times for prototypes and proof of design before mass production was undertaken by the design engineer. He retired in 2003 but continued with his projects, often humorously inquiring, "What have you done for Queen and country today?" to which Gerry would wittily reply, "Nothing, I'm retired!"

Wayne's zest for life extended beyond work. The family enjoyed Caribbean cruises in the mid to late 1990s, exploring numerous islands. Wayne and Gerry celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with a Panama cruise in 1999, followed by unforgettable trips to Ireland in 2003, China and Hong Kong in 2006, a nearly two-month European adventure in 2007, a visit to Israel and Petra, Jordan in 2013 and a Mediterranean cruise in 2019. An avid skier, golfer, and curler, Wayne was a longtime member of the Elks Golf Club and an active member of the Springbank Curling Club and later the Cochrane Curling Club. His enthusiasm for these sports and dedication to his family and work left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him. Wayne Bamber lived a life full of love, adventure, and innovation, leaving behind a legacy his family and friends will cherish forever.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Gerry, his daughters Christy (Larry) and Janine (Kyle), grandchildren Jackson, Presley, Sawyer, Emma, and Annabelle, his aunt Eleanor Cowan, cousins John Cowan, Jeannette Cowan all of Ontario, Clinton (Mynga) Keller, Rick (Sandy) Keller of BC, and numerous relatives from his wife’s family.

Wayne was predeceased by his father, Alwin Harry Bamber in January of 1981, his mother, Sylvia Lovis Margaret (nee Cowan) Bamber in April of 1997, his sister Lynden (Lindy) Walsh in July 2003, and his brother-in-law, Parnell Walsh.

As per Wayne’s wishes, a small, informal family gathering will be held at FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 – 4 Street NW, Calgary (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Wayne’s family will place his ashes with his parents at Queen’s Park Cemetery.

If friends or family so desire, memorial donations may be made directly to The Calgary Food Bank at their website https://www.calgaryfoodbank.com/, the Cochrane Humane Society at their website https://www.cochranehumane.ca, or a charity of their choosing.