Wayne Leonard Hooey

Wayne Leonard Hooey, QC passed away peacefully on June 18th, 2022, after a brief illness at Sunnybrook Hospital surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Anne (nee Best), and children, Jill, and Paul (Preet Dhatt) and grandchildren, Shaan, Yasmine, and Taran. He is survived by his brother Neil (Donna Hutton). Predeceased by his sister Cathryn (Charlie Trim) and his parents, Albert and Verna (nee Green).

Soon after his birth in February 1940 in Barrie, the family moved to Claremont. A few short years later, when his father, a Canadian Bank of Commerce branch manager, was transferred, the family moved to Woodville where Wayne spent his childhood years. A decade later, the family moved to Orono where Wayne attended Orono High School. Despite being Valedictorian of his graduating class, meeting his high school sweetheart, Anne, was his most cherished memory from his time in Orono.

Wayne went on to study General Arts at Western University for 2 years before being accepted into Osgoode Hall Law School in 1959. After being called to the Bar in 1964, Wayne joined Lash, Lash & Pringle in Toronto where he met his mentor, Donald M. Pringle, QC. Wayne soon became a partner in Lash, Johnson, Sheard & Pringle and latterly, Lang Michener. Wanting to focus on more specialized areas of law, Wayne along with Bill Remus, Amar (Doc) Singh, and several other colleagues, founded the boutique law firm Hooey Remus in 1992.

Wayne enjoyed his nearly 20 years on the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) Board of Directors. He served 4 years as Chairman of the Toronto Club before becoming the Chairman of CAA Canada representing CAA in the United States and internationally.

He enjoyed many lunches and social evenings at the Ontario Club (now the National Club) during his professional career where many lifelong friendships were formed. More recently, he enjoyed his time at the Rosedale Golf Club, the Cricket Club, and his favourite local restaurant, Le Montmartre (lemontmartrerestaurant.com) where Nima & Rihanna took great care of him.

When not working, Wayne enjoyed spending his weekends and retirement with family, friends and his children’s friends at “Hooville” on Lake Muskoka. He enjoyed nothing more than sitting on the dock with a good book or conversation while sipping a slightly chilled glass of wine watching his grandchildren frolic in the water or Anne plant yet another pot of flowers.

Wayne was like a fine wine - his character was full of subtle undertones that only became evident over time. A razor-sharp mind, a quick wit and a big heart. He quietly helped those around him and made lives richer and more robust by the opportunities and advice that he provided. It is with a heavy heart that we bid farewell. Gone but not forgotten.

We are immensely grateful to the team in the ICU D4 wing at Sunnybrook Hospital for their support, compassion and care. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the warriors at Sunnybrook Hospital.

A private family entombment will take place at Forest Lawn Mausoleum. A Celebration of Life will be held on August 21, 2022