WAYNE CHOMA

Condolences & Memories (6 entries)

• I am deeply sorry to hear of Wayne's passing. He was an understanding man, considerate, courteous, thoughtful and a great listener--all rare qualities. Wayne was truly curious about the world, well read, and so knowledgeable. I have missed our many talks and conversations so much. I don't think he realized what an impact he had. I grieve with C.J. and her family in this time of sorrow. I can only hope that great memories will prevail over sadness and the knowledge of a life well lived. May he rest in peace.🙏 --Peggy Vogtsberger - Posted by: Peggy Vogtsberger (Friend) on: May 07, 2025

• I just found out about Wayne's death from a close mutual friend. My deepest condolences to you, Carol. I initially became conneted to Wayne and Carol as part of the NDY (New Democratic Youth), which was Winnipeg's New Left umbrella organization in the early 1970s. The main NDY House, located on Langside St., was a base for anti-war rallies and other public actions. It included a library, meeting room, basement coffee house and printing facilities. Wayne, who was a very modest, compassionate and well informed person, was highly commited to promoting an equitable, socialist world. - Posted by: Russ Rothney (friend) on: Feb 25, 2025

• Wayne was a student of mine at the U of W in the early 70s. He was one of the best students I had over my 42 years of teaching. When we had seminars, and talked about books, Wayne seemingly knew every book mentioned. He had a voracious reading appetite over a wide range of topic: science, philosophy, politics, the art and especially music. He seemed to know every piece of classical music in the repertoire. I was pleased to see him go on to get his Master’s Degree in History at the U o M, and I was honoured to be on his orals committee. He had a most courteous and amenable personality – as anyone who knew him over the many years when he was the custodian of Temple Shalom would testify. The world lost a mensch when he died. - Posted by: David Topper (Professor) on: Feb 14, 2025

• I lost touch with Wayne many years ago. I may have last seen him in 1992, or even earlier. I was in and out of Winnipeg a number of times during the 1990s, then left in 1998. I've tried on a number of occasions to be in touch with him or find out about him, but without success. Today, January 5 2025, and for whatever underlying reasons, I entered his name on the Internet. And I discovered this obituary. Wayne was particularly good to me, many years ago, at a time when much in my life was in turmoil. Eventually I left Winnipeg, and although I returned after some years, we were out of contact for much longer. When we renewed our contact I was glad of it. Wayne was extremely intelligent, with a questioning mind and a motivation to deeply investigate things. He was also very sensitive, and greatly appreciative of literature, music, the arts. We talked of many things, including world affairs, the necessity for social change, and of politics--local, national, and international. Wayne was Heart and feeling, open, generous, and, I think, often underappreciated and misunderstood. I remember when Wayne first took an interest in Carol, and when I learned, much later, that they were together, and, later still, that they had married, I was glad to know of it. One example of Wayne's generosity was when (late 1970s) we invited him over for dinner, and he arrived with an enormous box of (vinyl) records of classical music (from his large collection), as a donation for my benefit! By the way, I know that same story about childhood schoolground persecution of Wayne to which Professor Mills referred in his posting above. I send my sincere best wishes to Carol, to others in her and Wayne's family, and to everyone who may be close. - Posted by: Harry Berbrayer (friends) on: Jan 05, 2025

• Wayne was one of my earliest students at University of Winnipeg. He impressed me immensely about his social compassion. He told me a harrowing story of physical abuse in the playground because of his Ukrainian background. It was a startling introduction to The city’s ethnic history. - Posted by: Allen Mills (Prifessot) on: Jan 01, 2025

• I knew Wayne long ago when his focus was on radical politics, not religion. He was always and consistently, a good, kind man. His care for others I am sure was the bridge between his Marxism and his religion. Condolences to Carol, and the rest of their families. RIP Wayne. - Posted by: Dave Hall (friend) on: Dec 14, 2024