04/22/2026
Robert Wayne Kress, of Elmwood, passed away suddenly at SBGHC-Walkerton on Monday, April 20, 2026. He was 83.
Born on June 24, 1942, in Toronto to the late Leland & Violet Kress, was better known as Wayne to his family and friends.
Wayne pursued numerous diverse careers throughout his life which would take him on many adventures. Starting out as a hairdresser in Stratford and then moving on to several salons, he next managed Zacks, a women's clothing store, followed by opening his own furniture store. Subsequently selling furniture at Sears in the Fairview Mall, and then onto being a car salesman, where Wayne would drive one of the vehicles he was trying to sell to a furniture store in Hanover called Smitty’s Fine Furniture where his next adventure began. After many years at Smitty’s he moved onto being a door-to-door salesman of furniture and caskets, he then tried driving a big rig but gave it up, it wasn’t his favourite job. Wayne baked donuts at Tim Hortons when they still made them from scratch, and there are probably some students who still remember his teachings as their driving instructor, but of all the jobs in the various fields he had his last employment at Home Hardware, which was his favorite. You could find him easily throughout the store wearing his red shirt with that grin on his face. Anyone that needed help with anything to do with their home, he was the handyman to ask. He loved his customers and passing along his knowledge he had acquired through his own life experiences.
Wayne was not only focused on his many careers but had several hobbies and interests as well. He had a love of sports cars and motorcycles, which he had owned in his earlier years, he also had a love for photography and capturing many life moments on film. Wayne also had a passion for the outdoors and fishing, along side his father-in-law and family at the Rocky Saugeen and golfing throughout his years at Smitty’s with coworkers which some turned out be long time family friends. Wayne’s largest passion along side his wife, was his family home, an old schoolhouse that was in dire need of repair. This is where Wayne’s attributes can still be seen today. As you walk around the schoolhouse and property in Brant township, you can see the precision in everything Wayne did, from the whole design, building the interior to restoring the exterior while keeping the integrity of the building, it was done with his artistic touch and keen eye for detail. This is where Wayne was at his happiest, he could be found tinkering around in “Wayne’s World” fixing something or making his next creation. He was very proud of what he and wife had built, and loved to have many parties with neighbour’s, friends and family which he loved even more.
Survived by devoted wife Patricia "Pat" (nee Eccles) Kress of Elmwood. Loved father of Jonathan (Melissa) Kress and Nikki (Dan) Holmes. Special grandfather of Jonathan Jr. (Amy), Savannah, Sahara and Violet; and a great gramps to Arya and Bellamy. Wayne had a heart of gold and even bigger heart for his animals. He will be missed terribly by his sidekick companion, his black lab Annie. Wayne will be remembered by his nieces, nephews and their families. Predeceased by his parents and siblings.
To honour his wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration will be held on May 9th at his residence 613 Sideroad 20 Mun. of Brockton (Brant Twp.) come and go between 1:00 & 4:00pm.
Memorial donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or to Saugeen Hospice would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Mighton Funeral Home, Hanover. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mightonfuneralhome.ca
