James Wayne Rogers

JAMES WAYNE ROGERS P.Eng., FCIM

Big Bras d’Or

It is with profound sadness and broken hearts, that we announce the passing of a wonderful husband and best friend, loving father and dedicated Grandfather, James Wayne Rogers, 77 on April 25th, 2023.  

Born May 23, 1946, Wayne was a native of Sydney Mines. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Connie (MacDermid), three children: Rayanne, Peter & Christina (Bobby), and his little sister Audrey (John) Crosby.  Papa will be missed by his six precious grandchildren, Mark & Laura Beth, Rylie & Ava, Olivia & Bobby.  Wayne is also survived by many nieces and nephews, his Aunt Louise along with several cousins in Ontario and England.  Wayne was predeceased by his parents Harry & Ada (Nash) Rogers and his brother Douglas. 

He loved Sydney Mines; it was his village. Tossing coal off the trains and exploring the barracks that was in his backyard inspired his curiosity.  He was born with an unbreakable spirit, unmatched resilience, unwavering joy and optimism, and endless energy that followed him throughout his life. Dad inspired those of us who had the privilege of knowing him and loving him.  After leaving Sydney Mines High he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force.  Dad chose to further his formal education through Xavier Junior College and St. FX University where he received his Engineering Diploma.  He then obtained a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) Degree from the Technical University of Nova Scotia.  Following graduation, he secured employment with the Federal Government opening the door for him to enhance his education and continue studies through McGill University to obtain the designation of Electrical/Mechanical Engineer, P.Eng. 

Wayne dedicated his career to Occupational Health and Safety, primarily in mines but also many other sites under the purview of the federal government.  He served in this capacity until his retirement at which time he started his own consulting company, his iron ring always a reminder of his ethical responsibilities. Dad enjoyed sharing his knowledge, he published and presented papers at international conferences, and shared life lessons with everyone he met from Sydney Mines to Papua New Guinea.

He was a Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy & Petroleum, Past Chairman of the Coal Board, a lifelong member of The Association of Professional Engineers of Nova Scotia, Past President of The Mining Society of Nova Scotia, and a 35-year member of the Canadian Standards Association.  Dad believed in teamwork and giving back to his village.  He became an elder at St. James Church, a leader with Brigade Canada, coached our baseball teams, served on a variety of boards, including the Bairncroft Foundation, and was always willing to lend a helping hand.  The Men’s Brotherhood of the United Protestant Church Sydney River brought great enjoyment to Wayne through both fellowship and fundraising activities.  They were in his words “a great bunch of men”.

Having accomplished all that he did, Wayne’s greatest joy was his family. There was nothing he enjoyed more than his summer vacations with family at the Cape which included swimming, picnics, mackerel fishing, day trips and campfires at night.  Many years we camped in PEI, other summers Dad would choose to drive rather than fly for work assignments.  Some of our best memories are of road trips through Canada and the US, and the fun of hotel stays, amusement parks and more museums than you could ever imagine. We will continue to cherish every moment we had with him there are never enough.  Dad was a constant source of strength to our family right until the end. 

When we three left the nest Dad and Mom explored the world together until Dad’s illness slowed them down.  Even then, with a lot of help from family and friends, faith in God and trust in each other Dad got the most out of and found joy in every day.  He appreciated everything that was done for him. 

We would be remiss to not mention the many people who cared for Dad and contributed to his amazing quality of life throughout his illness including Dr. Dale Miller and other medical staff too numerous to mention as well as neighbours, Milton, Regina, and Jenna. To the Men’s Brotherhood for being so inclusive, his childhood friends (Kip & Bobby) who called frequently, his caregivers Molly and the staff of Victoria County Home Makers as well as Marlene, and the staff at the VON, Ceilidh, and Shirley & Carl, we extend a sincere thank you for all you have done for him. 

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions can be made to:

Community CARES Youth Outreach Sydney Mines - New Dawn Community Development Educational Foundation (Please note Community CARES in memo)

By mail PO Box 1055, Sydney NS B1P 6J7

Online at https://newdawn.ca/community-engagement/community-cares-youth-outreach/

Atlantic Memorial Park (The AMP Society)

By mail Care of: Robert Blinkhorn (Treasurer) – 60 Mae Ave, Sydney Mines, NS. B1V3J1.

Online at https://ampheroes.ca/donate/

Or the Charity of your choice.

Visitation will be held at JM Jobes Funeral Home, 635 Main Street Sydney Mines

Friday, May 12th, from 2 pm to 6 pm.

Funeral service will take place Saturday, May 13th, at 2 pm at St. James Presbyterian Church, Big Bras d’Or committal to follow at St. James Cemetery.

Reception following at Big Bras d’Or Community Hall

Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com