Terrence Wayne Searle passed away peacefully on the evening of September 17, 2026, at the age of 88, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He was born in Edmonton, Alberta on December 24, 1937, to Alberta & Llewellyn Searle; he was the second of four children. We find comfort in knowing he has been reunited with his family that predeceased him: twin siblings Darlene & Llyod, older brother David, sister-in-law Dorelle, nephew Marc, his parents and many cherished friends and extended family he lost along the way.

Wayne grew up in Yellowknife. He briefly attended Alberta College before transferring to the University of Montana. Shortly after, while in Edmonton for a visit, he met Irene. They married in December of 1963, and she moved with him to Montana to continue their post-secondary educations. Wayne graduated in 1968 with a Master of Education Degree, Majoring in Guidance and Counselling. His first teaching job was at Bonner Elementary in Missoula, Montana. In 1969 they moved to North Delta, BC where he started his career with the Surrey School District at LA Matheson Junior Secondary. In 1980, he became a District Councillor for the Surrey School Board. In 1992, an opportunity to move to the newly built Johnson Heights Secondary came up, and he jumped at the chance to get back into the school environment again. In 1994 he accepted a position at Fleetwood Park Secondary, where he worked until his retirement in 2001.

Sports were always a huge part of Wayne’s life. While raising his children, he coached his son’s minor league hockey team in addition to the basketball and golf teams at his schools. Over the course of his career, he made a lasting impact on hundreds of students and stayed connected with so many of them after they graduated. For decades, you could not go anywhere in public with him without hearing someone shout “Mr. Searle!” as he was constantly being recognized by former students or people he had coached.

Retirement brought him and Irene to Vancouver Island, where they settled in Qualicum Beach, BC, and quickly took full advantage of their newfound freedom. Wayne participated in all the sports and activities he could and was an avid member of PGOSA (Parksville Golden Oldies Sports Association). Winters were reserved for curling, Summers were for golf, softball and tennis. He remained active in sport until he was 87 years old - and has the shoe and jacket collection to prove it!

Wayne took great joy in helping others. He donated blood more than 100 times and received special recognition from Canadian Blood Services. He cherished his dogs. He was a storyteller and he thrived on a good debate. He was outspoken. He was a reliable and trustworthy friend to many people over his lifetime.

Wayne is survived by his wife of nearly 63 years, Irene, his children Duane (Sherry) and Diane (Doug), grandchildren Gabriel and Sydney, Irene’s brother and sister-in-law Dave & Maeve, his niece Kristi and his sister-in-law Celia. He leaves behind cherished friends and extended family who will miss him greatly.

The family would like to thank the Home Care Aid and Home Care Nursing staff at Oceanside Community Health Services for their thoughtful care and support in Wayne’s final months. Your kindness was sincerely appreciated.

There is no immediate plan for a celebration of life.