Standardbred owner Wayne Gary Giles, 85, of Burlington, Ont., passed away peacefully on Sept. 22, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, compassion, integrity, and love for all living beings.
Born on Sept. 3, 1939 into a family of farmers, Wayne was a dedicated entrepreneur who co-founded Gambles Ontario Produce in 1989, building it into a trusted name that continues to grow across Canada. He began his working career at RBC in accounting before he found his true passion in providing fresh, quality produce with Gamble-Robinson where he would spend over three decades on the board for the Toronto Wholesale Produce Association. His hard-working, can-do attitude, made him a well sought after legend in the market at the Ontario Food Terminal, venturing from Gamble-Robinson to Rite Pak to a time working with Joe Burnett to P. Culotta right back to Gamble-Robinson until he eventually started Gambles Ontario Produce where produce became home until he retired in 2004. His values of integrity, fairness and honesty are instilled into the company's core values to this day.
Beyond his business, Wayne was known for his gentle nature and deep love for animals, passed down to him from his father. Whether he was caring for the season's new foals at the family farm, his canine companions, stray cats that came by the barn that always ended up inside his home, and even a squirrel when he was a teen, his compassion for all creatures was evident to everyone who knew him. He found joy in the simple things: watching the cars go by with his beloved dog, Bonnie, in one hand and a Timmies coffee in the other, watching the horse races, chatting with any and everyone who would listen wherever he went, and sharing stories from his past with his family.
Wayne is survived by his sisters, Lorene and Linda, his loving and only son, Robert (Robbie), who will continue his father’s legacy both in the family businesses and in his kindhearted spirit, his daughter in law, Kanya, as well as his three grandchildren and great grandson, Patrick, Jennifer, Jessica and Parker. He also leaves behind his chosen family in Annemarie and Judy, as well as countless other friends and community members. Wayne's generosity, wisdom and warmth will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Wayne’s memory will be cherished, his life celebrated and his legacy honoured by all who were fortunate enough to know him. Open House visitation will be held for friends and family on Thursday, Sept. 26 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., and again on Friday, Sept. 27 from 4-7 p.m. at McFarlane and Roberts Funeral Home, 2240 Wharncliffe Rd S, London, ON (519-652-2020). In lieu of flowers, donations to the New Start Standardbred Adoption or Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences are available through mcfarlane-roberts.ca.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Wayne Giles.