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H. O.
Wayne Trimper
June 8, 1942 – January 31, 2020
TRIMPER, H.O. Wayne ~ age 77 of Nictaux, NS. We are so heartbroken and shocked to announce the death of someone who meant so much to his family and friends. He went into the hospital on Christmas Eve because of a recently discovered leg tumor and even though he fought hard, he wasn't able to come home where he wanted to be with everyone he loved. He passed away on Friday, January 31, 2020 in QEII Halifax Infirmary surrounded by his loving family. Born in Middleton, he was a son of the late Garnet and Nora (Demmings) Trimper. Wayne retired after 20 years with the Royal Canadian Air Force where he worked as a mechanic. He was able to move his family to Germany twice and he loved every minute of it. He had great pride in his certificate showing that he was the 28th person at CFB Lahr and used to tell so many stories of helping to establish the base. We travelled extensively and he made friends wherever he went. While in the military he played for their volleyball and badminton teams and travelled through Canada and Europe doing what he loved. He played volleyball for years later, taking great pride in beating the pants off kids who were decades younger than him.
In 1981 he took a day off and then started at Michelin, where he ran the maintenance shop working with the forklifts. He was the guy at Michelin that everyone called on to get things fixed, forklift or office chair it didn't matter. While at Michelin he designed a new set of forks for Caterpillar forklift that allowed Michelin to stack tires differently, saving them millions in the first year alone. He also came up with a clever idea for identifying the tires, a stacker system. Plexiglass and tennis balls…but it worked like a charm. He used to always tell people he had never been late to work and never had a sick day, ever. He'd probably like to be remembered for that, but we'll always remember him for eating the same lunch every day at both jobs. The famous white bread, kraft singles cheese slice and mayo. Did I mention it was every single day? After 27 years he retired from Michelin. He needed his free time at that point to spend with his pride and joy, his grandson Coletyn.
He was a busy man, being a member of the Eden Golf and Country Club, Mid-Valley ATV Club and the Order of Good Cheer. He golfed whenever he had a chance…far too often he would be out there in the snow. By June 2 nd last year he already had 42 games in, until the tumor made it impossible to continue. In the later years he discovered four wheeling and he spent much of his time helping out others (shock/surprise). He was constantly out grooming trails and fixing bridges. He could out work guys in their thirties.
He was one of the organizers responsible for the Trimper Family Reunions and putting together the Geneology of the Trimpers, which gave him great pride and friendship. Hours and hours were spent organizing and compiling the tree and through that he became best friends with a group of cousins he never knew until he was older. Years ago he contacted the German Trimpers (Trumpers). His generosity caused quite a stir in their little town. He invited complete strangers to come to Canada. When they asked how much things would cost, he said it would cost them nothing once they got here. This was unheard of in a small community in Eastern Germany and the town was aghast. They bravely came to Canada and Dad and the rest of the Trimper's welcomed them into the family. Many trips followed with other family members coming as well, forming a very special bond. He thought of them as immediate family and just loved being their tour guide and friend. A lifetime of memories was created.
He loved his girls. We will forever be grateful for all that he did for us. I could have called him in the middle of the night with a flat tire in the city and he would have come up to fix it for me. No questions asked. Maybe poke a little fun at us or give a little lesson on how to do it ourselves, but he was there no matter what. He was the first call you'd make with any question or looking for advice. He could do anything in our eyes. His generosity was unfaltering and all of us have a thousand stories about that. I know all of the cousins can tell stories, but there are equally the same amount of friends and neighbors who can say the same thing. It's the first thing that every person said to us when we shared the news. He was amazed by the love shown when he was sick. It brought him to tears every time we told him that someone contacted us, called or was coming to visit. He wanted to have a celebration when he got home. He wanted to thank everyone personally. It's all he thought about when he was sick. It's so heartbreaking to have it without him, but we'll do our best.
I think his greatest pride and joy was his grandson Coletyn. I'm sure there was no one who knew him that hadn't heard a story or two about Coletyn. They were inseparable. He couldn't go more than a few days without seeing him. He went to all of his hockey games and took a big part in his BMX shows. He was the Cool Moves BMX Pit Crew Chief. Setting up the ramps wherever they had a show or a practice. We will forever be grateful that Coletyn is old enough to have such great memories of him.
Dad was a funny guy with a big, huge heart. He touched people even in the worst of times. He made special friendships even in the hospital. The nurses and staff at the Infirmary just loved him and tears were shed by so many. Thank you for all that you did for him. Thank you to Kirk Lewis, Shaun, Honey, Serena and too many others to list.
His friendships truly lasted a lifetime. His best friend through life was his sister Kaye and her husband Bob and Veronica and her husband Corey. So many of his cousins were like brothers/sisters to him. His family won't be the same without him. Thank you to Stan Parsons and Larry Taylor for stepping up when he needed you so much. Your friendship meant so much. Thank you to Shannon Scott for being there for him at the end.
There was always room for more family and he thought of Mark and Kim Dondale as part of his. Mark was like the son he never had. Shannon Jones will always be part of the family as well.
Wayne will be sadly missed by all who knew him. He was one of the truly great guys and his generosity and humor was with him to the very end. He will be remembered by all who knew him as the guy that was always there to lend a hand and make you laugh.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Gaye; his daughters, Dana, Halifax and Tina, Nictaux and his grandson, Coletyn; his sister, Kathleen "Kaye" Morrell, Nictaux and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Veronica Cole and Lester in infancy. In keeping with Wayne's wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held 4-7 PM Sunday, February 9, 2020 in the Nictaux Fire Hall, 9349 Highway 10. All are welcome. Donations in Wayne's memory may be made to the Cool Moves BMX Society. Any donations will be used for safety gear or more ramps for shows. He was so proud to be a part of that team. Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main St., (902) 825-3448.
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