A message from Shannon Doram on the passing of Wayne Perkins, past YMCA Calgary CEO and YMCA Canada, President and CEO.
Hello YMCA Calgary Community,
It is with sadness that I share news of the passing of Wayne Perkins, our dear friend and respected leader.
Wayne’s heart and soul has been intertwined with the YMCA from his early years. At 10 years old he arrived at YMCA Camp Wakonda on Wakaw Lake in Saskatchewan – a bright-eyed young boy eager for adventure. Little did he know he was stepping onto a path that would lead him to become one of the key figures in the YMCA in Canada.
His early staff roles at Camp Wakonda and YMCA Wanakita in Ontario were pivotal in his leadership development. Wayne’s leadership journey at YMCA Calgary started in 1981 when he moved to Alberta with his family to become the Camp Director at Camp Chief Hector YMCA. His passion for youth development and the outdoors had tremendous influence on our camp culture and programs, advancing our reputation as a premier camp in Canada.
Wayne’s visionary leadership and drive were key factors in his success. Following his time as Camp Director, he took on the role of Development Director and led the organization through a critical fundraising campaign that resulted in the development of the Eau Claire YMCA. In 1989, Wayne was promoted to CEO and under his direction, YMCA Calgary flourished.
In 1997, the Melcor YMCA at Crowfoot opened and in 2002, the Shawnessy YMCA opened as part of a city-built complex that includes a high school, a Calgary Public Library, 2 arenas and multi-purpose space. This innovative facility partnership was a first in our community and would lead our YMCA on a path of consequential growth and impact in the years and decades ahead. His strength in partner collaboration was instrumental in the early planning of the Genesis Centre, which includes the Saddletowne YMCA in northeast Calgary and the YMCA in the South Health Campus Hospital.
Over the years, Wayne’s involvement extended beyond the local level to include participation in and leadership of national and international initiatives. His belief in global partnerships that could propel YMCAs to do more together than either could do independently contributed to partnerships with the YMCAs in Malaysia, Bogota, and Ukraine, the latter two of which continue today.
After serving 20 years as YMCA Calgary CEO, Wayne joined YMCA Canada as President and CEO in 2008, a role he embraced with the same vision and enthusiasm that have become his hallmarks.
In 2017, Wayne was recognized with the YMCA Canada Fellowship of Honour Award. This award is the highest honour and most valued award in the YMCA in Canada. It recognizes outstanding YMCA volunteers and staff who have given tremendous leadership while strengthening and expanding the capacity of the YMCA in Canada. For a look back at his YMCA leadership journey, watch his award recognition video here.
Throughout his tenure in the YMCA, Wayne never lost sight of our mission to support the health and wellbeing of children, youth and families, in service to their personal development and creating healthier communities.
Wayne’s legacy of impact will continue in Calgary, across our country and the YMCA global movement through the countless staff, volunteers, campers and participants he mentored and inspired on his journey. And we proudly carry forward his motto, “to have a great YMCA day.”
Sincerely,
Shannon Doram
President & CEO, YMCA Calgary