The Sheridan Athletics and Recreation Department is sad to announce the passing of Wayne Fish, Varsity Coordinator, on February 8, at Ian Anderson House in Oakville.
Wayne began his career in the Ontario Colleges system with Seneca College - fresh from Seneca's Recreation Facilities Management Program - employed as a part time Sports Centre Operator and it was immediately evident that Wayne was a large personality with an energy and duty of service that was very special.
His passion and work ethic was rewarded in 1998 with the creation of a new position that saw Wayne as the first Intramural Gym Supervisor. Each day, countless numbers of students touched base with Wayne, who was always ready with a warm greeting and actions that illustrated his natural commitment to great customer service. He did so because he truly cared.
In 2000, as the Sport Coordinator, Wayne's love for volleyball blossomed. He was an important part of the Seneca team that brought Men's Volleyball back to the college after a 10 year absence. The men's team went on to win three OCAA bronze medals. He also worked hand-in-hand with Hall of Fame inductees Frank and Rosika Sulatycki (Coaches) and Bonnie Bacvar (Builder), supporting Seneca's very successful women's volleyball program.
Ms. Bacvar shared: "Wayne loved being involved with team sports and seemed to enjoy his involvement, whether it was in the control room or as varsity coordinator. Athletes could have no better advocate on their side. His bright smile and cheery disposition will be sorely missed."
Linda Stapleton, Director of Sport and Recreation commented: "Wayne took great pride in our Seneca athletes and quietly dedicated countless hours of support to their success and to ensuring our coaches had the tools they required to build successful programs. Knowing that Wayne furthered his career with our colleagues at Sheridan was always a delight to us, as the OCAA family has continued to benefit from his contributions at Sheridan and on the greater OCAA stage."
Wayne joined the Sheridan Bruin team in 2003 as the lead Varsity Coordinator, and his impact was immediately felt. Initially, he engineered the return of women's basketball to the Varsity level. The team would go on to win three consecutive OCAA Gold Medals. He chaired many championship events at Sheridan, including Women's Provincial Basketball, Men's and Women's Provincial Soccer, Men's Provincial Volleyball, the inaugural Women's Rugby 7's championship, and the Men's National Soccer Tournament in 2014, where the double-blue brought home the CCAA Gold. Most recently, while he battled the illness to which he eventually succumbed, Wayne Coordinated the Men's Rugby program that won its first ever OCAA Gold Medal.
Wayne also carved out time to contribute at the provincial association level. He spent considerable time both as the Vice President of Programs and as a Convenor for OCAA Volleyball. His contribution at Sheridan was tremendous. Wayne's passion for Bruins Athletics, the Sky Blue Endowment Fund, and the program emphasis on academic achievement were most notable. He truly believed in the academic-athletic model, and reinforced that mantra wherever he travelled.
Sheridan Athletic Director Jim Flack stated: "We will all miss Wayne tremendously. I first met him 26 years ago when I coached at Seneca for a year. His outgoing personality never changed, and typical of Wayne, he worked until he could work no more. His body simply gave out. We all knew this day was coming, but it's still a crushing blow to the Bruin family. And today, our hearts and minds are with Wayne's wife Kathryn, and his two daughters Marisa and Ciara. There is a hole in all of our hearts today. He will be missed by so many."
Wayne's family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sky Blue Endowment Fund.
Source: Sheridan College