Wayne Mault

Ivan “Wayne” Mault was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, engineer, community leader, performer, and proud supporter of Scottish culture whose humour and willingness to help left a lasting impression.

Born in Swan River, Manitoba, Wayne spent part of his childhood in Dauphin before his family settled in Portage la Prairie. After graduating from Portage Collegiate Institute, he moved to Winnipeg to study mechanical engineering at the University of Manitoba. It was there that he met Cheryl Samels, whom he married in 1971.

Following his graduation in 1970, Wayne worked briefly in Churchill with Churchill Forest Industries. He later joined Manitoba’s Department of Labour, inspecting boilers, elevators, amusement rides, and gas, electrical, and propane installations.

His professional skill and leadership eventually led him to become Director of Labour for the Province of Manitoba. He also participated in the National Board, travelling with Cheryl throughout Canada and the United States for meetings. Wayne retired from provincial service in 2005 after a long and distinguished career devoted to public safety.

Volunteer service was a defining part of Wayne’s life. At Glenlee Community Club, he served as a Cub Scout leader, hockey and baseball coach, secretary, treasurer, president, and chair of the board. He also coached football at Norberry Community Centre and served on the board of the St. Vital Mustangs.

Wayne was an active member of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, where he sang in the choir, participated in readings, and readily assisted with church events.

Proud of his Scottish heritage, Wayne became deeply involved with Folklorama’s Pavilion of Scotland. He served as Pavilion Coordinator from 2010 through 2012 and returned to the position in 2014 and 2015. His leadership, organization, humour, and steady commitment helped guide the Pavilion through five festival seasons.

Wayne also loved singing and performing. With friends from St. Andrew’s, he helped form the Kenwood Players, presenting songs and comedy sketches at celebrations and charitable events. Whether dressed for a theatrical number or delivering a perfectly timed joke, Wayne embraced every performance with enthusiasm and good humour.

Summers at the family cabin at Delta Beach brought Wayne great happiness. The cabin was a gathering place for family and friends, filled with long evenings of games, conversation, laughter, and friendly competition.

His greatest joy in later life came from being “Grumpa” to Mackenzie, Liham, Kahnor, and Lachlan. He loved reading with them, telling jokes, sharing adventures, and cheering proudly from the sidelines at their school and sporting events.

Wayne passed away unexpectedly on September 10, 2023, at the age of 76.