Obituary of John Murray Wait

With a sense of sadness but peace from a fulfilling life, we announce the passing of John Murray Wait on October 2, 2024. Surrounded by the people who loved him most, John passed peacefully in the comfort of his family home.

Born September 19, 1958, in Fort Fairfield, Maine, and raised in Saint John, New Brunswick, John was a devoted father, loving husband, and cherished friend to many.

John is predeceased by his father, John (Jack) Wait, and his mother, Marian Keilty.

He will be greatly missed by his wife of 43 years, Donna Wait; their two children, Megan and Alex; his stepmother, Brenda Walker; and the family’s two dogs, Teddy and Fred, endearingly loved by their “Grampie.”

John was always the light of any room, captivating those around him. It was no surprise that he swept Donna off her feet at the bustling Hilltop Bar and Grill, where their love story began. They quickly became woven into each other’s families, and soon after, their own family began to grow through marriage and the birth of their children. Later in life, John and Donna, enjoyed their winters in Naples, Florida where they could golf, go to the beach, and spend time with loved ones.

John was always entrepreneurial. He and Donna pioneered the first Subway franchises in New Brunswick, successfully serving the community since 1988.

Outside of work, John was known for his adventurous spirit. A lifelong Harley owner and calculated thrill-seeker, he rekindled his passion for motorsports at 50, joining Alex in motocross racing across Atlantic Canada. Racing together and weekends at the track reflected John’s zest for life and love for his family.

John always had a love for golf. Known for his sense of humor and unique flair; he often wore brightly coloured clothes and could be seen sporting a glass of champagne during his rounds. A testament to his love for enjoying life on his own terms. 

A dedicated fan of artists like John Mellencamp, Jim Croce, Bob Seger, and, most notably, Bruce Springsteen, their music was the soundtrack to a life well-lived. Known far and wide as the biggest Springsteen fan in Fredericton, John attended countless concerts with his close friends, and family. As die-hard fans, it wasn’t unusual to see him and Megan grabbing the pantleg of “The Boss” on numerous occasions. He leaves behind a family as passionate about the music as he was.

John's legacy is one of love, laughter, hard work, and the joy of living life to the fullest. His memory will forever be cherished by all who knew him.

A private celebration of John’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you “pay it forward” to someone in your life. Always known to give back to others, that’s how John would have wanted it.