McFarlane, Wayne Alexander
Wayne Alexander McFarlane passed suddenly at the age of 78 at his home on the morning of January 31st, 2025, with Michael Armistead, his life partner and best friend of 24 years at his side. His daughter Laura McFarlane Bodell, was also at his side in hospital.
He was proudly born and raised on a farm in Shelburne, Ontario, by his parents Hazel and Forbes McFarlane.
Wayne graduated Guelph University as a CPA and was a Fellow of The Chartered Institute of Accountants of Ontario and worked a full and successful career leading Human Resources with PricewaterhouseCoopers for over 30 years. He was also a Paul Harris Fellow.
In his retirement, he spent 15 years as Executive in Residence at Ryerson’s Ted Rogers School of Management (now TMU) helping MBA students find their career paths. This was his lifelong passion and was recognized with the first Distinguished Professional Advisor Emeritus awarded to a non-academic at Ryerson University.
Taken too soon, Wayne was loved by all he met, he was the life and soul in every room, loved people, loved his family dearly, loved helping people – particularly students, & loved a great party with his friends at Lora Bay! He was my partner in everything, my confidant, my best friend, – we will miss him every day. He was proud to be a great grandpa and loved all things Tina Turner – Wayne, partner, Dad, Grandpa & friend is Simply the Best!
Wayne will be missed by his partner Michael Armistead, daughter Laura McFarlane Bodell, son-in-law Derron Bodell, grandsons Alex and Forbes McFarlane Bodell, great granddaughter Lilly Bodell, sister Anne McFarlane, and many wonderful cousins and friends.
A celebration of Wayne’s life will take place at Lora Bay Clubhouse, a place near and dear to his heart, on Friday, February 7th, 2025 from 2 until 5 p.m., with tributes shared at 3 o’clock.
“I have witnessed first-hand the unlimited potential of the students at this school and to ensure lasting support for the excellence of our future leaders, I would like to establish this scholarship.”
As your expression of sympathy, and in lieu of flowers, donations to the Wayne McFarlane Scholarship would be greatly appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
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Sunday, February 2, 2025
Dear Laura, Darren ,Michael and extended Family… We are deeply saddened of the News of Wayne’s passing, we are thinking of all of you at this difficult time May god Bless and comfort all of you.
Sunday, February 2, 2025
God Bless you Wayne, you will be deeply missed by all , you were always a joy to chat with your knowledge on just about everything was second to none. Our deepest condolences to Mike and Laura and the rest of your family and friends may you now rest easy in the heavens above. The 19th hole will never be the same .
Monday, February 3, 2025
Mike, Laura, Derron and family
The loss of Wayne is beyond sad and my heart goes out to all of you. Wayne and I were colleagues in the University recruiting business for over 50 years and beyond our professional relationship I considered him a friend. This picture captures the essence of Wayne and as I think back over these many years will bring back many happy memories.
I trust that your many memories will give you comfort and perhaps a smile during this sad time.
My sincere condolences.
Jan Kloosterhuis
Monday, February 3, 2025
We were saddened to hear of Wayne’s passing. Our sincerest condolences go out to Mike, Laura and family and his sister Anne.
Monday, February 3, 2025
Dear Laura, Darren, Michael and McFarlane Family,
My sincere condolences on the passing of Wayne who I had the pleasure of serving with on the TMU Advisory Board for several years. Wayne was always a beacon of positivity and looked to get to a “yes” answer on many difficult issues, where some of his peers might have started with a “no” instead. His passing is a real loss to the TMU community that he served for so many years, but his legacy will live on through the many students and faculty that he touched along the way.
Sincerely yours,
Stu Morrow
Monday, February 3, 2025
His memory certainly is for a blessing. Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. We invented the Distinguished Emeritus title as a tribute to his dedication. He also invented Fit for Business, which got thousands of students through the stress of the pandemic. He donated owl technology to help us have hybrid meetings. There is not an inch of TRSM or a student at TRSM who has not benefitted from Wayne’s generosity, creativity, or dedication to education. I loved him. Daphne Taras, former Dean of TRSM.
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
I owe a great debt to Wayne because without him, I would not have made my way to Canada.
In the early 90s, he worked with C&L and frequently made the trip overseas to interview young CA’s for a potential position in Canada. I met Wayne in London and after an engaging discussion, politely said, ‘Well, I look forward to hearing from you and to finding out if I would be a good fit for the Canadian Firm’. Immediately, Wayne hit the table and said emphatically, ‘You would be a great addition to our team in Canada, there is no discussion to be had, we look forward to you joining our team in the fall’. And so my journey to a new country began, which has delivered immense benefits to me personally and professionally. Thank you, Wayne – I will miss you greatly – but your legacy lives on.
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Dear Laura and Family,
we were very surprised to learn of the passing of Your father. We would like to express our sincere condolences and wish You the strength to digest this surprising turn of events. We have always enjoyed meeting Your father and we will pray for him.
Our best regards
Monika and Nick Rueber
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Anne, Laura and family, Mike
Such sudden news about Wayne. He was always upbeat and friendly; enjoyed life, friendships and family. He will be greatly missed especially by you.
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Michael, I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your partner and Laura of your father.
Wayne was one of most wonderful and kind people I ever met. He was friends with my Father David my entire life. It’s hard to believe they are both gone.
Our love to your family and friends from Daniela, Jacque and I.
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Laura
I am so sorry to hear of your dads passing thinking of you and your family during this difficult time
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Dear Laura, Derron, Michael, Anne, and extended family–we are saddened to hear of Wayne’s passing.
As a cousin of Wayne, I (Barry) have many pleasant memories of Wayne at our yearly McFarlane reunions–he was always the life of the party
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Sending our deepest condolences to Wayne’s family from Ian Francis and family.
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Wayne was a great supporter during my transition to C&L Canada in 1994. During my interviews, Wayne invited David Smith, our Managing Partner at the time, to meet me and obtain his support together with additional partners. He accompanied my progress towards partnership a few years later and stayed a good friend.
My life and my family’s life has changed for the better as a result of these meetings and I owe Wayne a big thank you.
My deepest condolences to Wayne’s family , friends and colleagues.
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Wayne and Michael were first 2 people I met when I came here in 2008.
Wayne was a larger than life figure and his voice alone drew a crowd and a ear.
Wayne was the mayor of Lora Bay.
Last time I saw and spoke to Wayne was late summer at The Adams golf day, well dressed and smiling as he said HELLO SEAN.
Cheers to a good life lived.
Say Hi to my Mom, she just got there as well.
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
I am so sorry to hear this news Wayne for many years was a big part of my life and I enjoyed my time with him as well at Mike. This is very sad to have lost him so early in our aging process. You will be missed very much
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
It was a privilege to work alongside Wayne and learn from him. His dedication to helping others find their way was inspiring, and his meticulous attention to detail when organizing events was sometimes hilarious. There were many times where I was running around TRSM “borrowing” potted plants to enhance the event space. I am deeply grateful to have been Wayne’s colleague, and my heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends.
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Laura, Derron and family, I was very saddened to hear of Wayne’s passing. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Thursday, February 6, 2025
Wayne mentored number of us (including me) through the move from C&L to PwC. We could not have asked for a more professional person. He was an all around beacon in the crazy world of consulting. One of the good guys