Lt. Colonel Wayne Nelson Pritchett was born in Gambo, Newfoundland, on August 13, 1946, to Curtis and Classie Pritchett. He was one of 11 children.

Wayne was predeceased by his parents; his stepfather, Cyril; his brothers Bruce, Norman, and Harvey; his in-laws Margaret and Bram Rice; his brother-in-law Wayne Rice; and his dear friends Sherman and Dona Stryde.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 54 years, Myra; his children Rodney, David (Kirsten), Angela (Geoff), and Kathryn (Scott); his grandchildren Brendon, Brooke, Kayla, Cassie, Lilly, Sarah, and Cameron; his siblings Ray (Linda), Vida (Leigh), Garry (Elizabeth), Lorne (Barbara), Brian (Donna), Pauline (Paul), and Cathy (Gary); his sisters-in-law Sandra Rice, Gail Rice, Roberta Pritchett, and Louise Pritchett; friend Audrey Tilley-Lush; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family and  friends.

Wayne had two priorities in life: his faith and his family.

As a young boy in Gambo, Wayne gave his heart to God. From that moment forward, his life was defined by his commitment to serve Jesus Christ, study His Word, and pursue a life of holiness. His love for Christ eventually led him to leave his teaching career and answer God's call to full-time ministry as an officer in The Salvation Army - commissioned as a member of the Victorious Session in 1971.  Wayne, along with Myra, faithfully served in ministry for the next 55 years.

Throughout their ministry, Wayne held a variety of appointments, including leadership at both the Toronto and Newfoundland Training Colleges and at Territorial Headquarters, where Wayne served in the Education Department and later as Secretary for Personnel. He also served at International Headquarters in London, England, where he was appointed International Secretary for Training and Leadership. This role provided opportunities to teach, mentor, and minister in countries around the world. Prior to retirement from active service in August 2013, Wayne and Myra served as Divisional Leaders in both the Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador Divisions.

Wayne embraced each appointment as from God, but found his greatest joy and fulfilment in pastoral ministry. It was in corps appointments that he believed he was best able to live out his calling to teach, preach, and pastor. He deeply loved the people he served and longed to see them grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Although Wayne pursued higher education at Memorial University and later Tyndale University, he saw it simply as a tool to better equip him to serve God and others.

Family was Wayne's other great passion. Although he was devoted to "his Father's business," his family was never separate from his ministry. He intentionally made time for each of his children and grandchildren, encouraging them, investing in them, and inspiring each one to become their very best.

While many knew Wayne as a thoughtful teacher and devoted pastor, his family also knew his playful side. He loved to laugh—a true Pritchett trait—and delighted in entertaining the children with an impromptu jig or perfecting his famous (or infamous) recipes … meatballs, mustard pickles, and others. Many precious memories were made around the dining room table.

His boisterous rendition of "G-double O, D... Good!"—often sung to his family—became one of his signature expressions of joy. It hardly however, reflected his genuine musical ability, whether that was  playing the piano or cornet, keeping rhythm on the drums, or enthusiastically leading "O Boundless Salvation." Music remained one of his greatest joys, and even in his final weeks he could often be found listening to hymns, attempting to lead a song, or drumming along on the nearest chair.

During the past five years, as Alzheimer's disease gradually progressed, Wayne's two greatest passions—faith and family—continued to shine through, though in fragmented ways. The kitchen table became his classroom. Surrounded by photographs of officers, cadets, and Salvationists from Army publications, he spent countless hours sharing snippets of biblical truth, offering encouragement, and challenging “his students” to live faithfully for God. Mealtimes often had to wait, and he regularly reminded Myra that the urgency to "preach the Gospel" was to remain the priority.

Wayne’s love for his Bible was undeniable. With his disease advancing, Wayne was determined to carry his Bible everywhere he went —even as he attempted to clear snow from the driveway, shovel in one hand and his Bible in the other.

Throughout these challenging years, his love for family remained equally steadfast. He spent hours standing before the family photo display above the fireplace, talking to his children and grandchildren, singing to them, encouraging them to "be good," and offering words of wisdom and love.

Wayne will be dearly missed, but we rejoice that he has been Promoted to Glory. He leaves behind far more than cherished memories; he leaves the enduring example of a life marked by humility, integrity, compassion, and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. His legacy will continue in the countless lives he touched, the people he faithfully served, and all those who were privileged to know and love him.

Servant of God, well done!

Rest from thy loved employ!

The battle fought, the victory won,

Enter thy Master's joy.

Funeral Arrangements:

Celebration of Life Service, Wednesday, July 8, 2026 11 AM at The Salvation Army Cobourg Community Church, 59 Ballantine St., Cobourg, Ontario

(A reception and visitation with the family will follow the Service.)

A Committal service will take place at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto on Thursday, July 9, 11:30 AM

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Salvation Army Community & Family Ministries, 59 Ballantine St., Cobourg, ON. K9A 5G8