Wayne A. Ellis

Wayne Ellis, 67, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on April 4, 1959 in New York, Wayne was raised in the small town of Indian Lake, where he developed the hardworking spirit, love of the outdoors, and appreciation for family that would stay with him throughout his life. He honorably served in the United States Airforce.

Wayne and Lorraine met one evening in Manchester, New Hampshire, where Lorraine instantly fell in love with the kind, funny, and genuine man who would become the love of her life. Together they built a beautiful life filled with adventure, laughter, and unwavering love. Like every marriage, they experienced life’s ups and downs, but they faced them together, always finding their way back to one another. Their love only grew stronger with time.

Wayne was an incredibly talented craftsman who spent many years in the jewelry industry before moving into construction and home building. He took great pride in his work, believing that if something was worth doing, it was worth doing right. Whether creating something with his hands or helping someone in need, Wayne gave everything he had.

He loved the outdoors and embraced life with enthusiasm. He enjoyed boating, snowmobiling, NASCAR, camping, traveling, and anything that brought family and friends together. Over the years, Wayne and Lorraine made countless memories traveling throughout the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, Greece, and the beautiful islands of the Caribbean. One especially meaningful trip was returning to New Brunswick, Canada, where Lorraine grew up, sharing with Wayne the places that shaped her childhood.

More recently, they fulfilled another dream by moving to Florida, purchasing a beautiful waterfront home, and spending countless days exploring the waterways together by boat. Those peaceful days on the water became some of their most treasured memories.

One of Wayne’s greatest joys was being a father. Ashton was the pride and joy of his life, and Wayne cherished every moment they shared. One unforgettable adventure took them on a cross-country journey to British Columbia, Canada, where Ashton lived for three years before returning home to be close to his dad. Through every stage of life, Wayne’s greatest hope was simply to see Ashton happy and successful. He was incredibly proud that Ashton had been selected to begin his career with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office in September. Knowing Ashton was following his dream of serving others brought Wayne immense pride and peace during his final days. He admired the remarkable young man Ashton had become—strong, compassionate, hardworking, and devoted to his family—and knew he would carry his values, strength, and love forward for the rest of his life.

Wayne had a gift for making lasting friendships. Throughout his life, he formed meaningful connections with people from all walks of life and from all over the country. Whether through work, travel, hobbies, or life’s many adventures, he left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

His friends knew him for his loyalty, his generous heart, his willingness to help anyone in need, and especially his dry sense of humor that could make people laugh even during difficult times. The incredible outpouring of love, prayers, visits, phone calls, and messages during his illness reflected just how deeply he was loved and how many lives he touched.

During his courageous battle with cancer, Wayne displayed extraordinary strength and determination. Even through unimaginable challenges, he continued to think first of the people he loved. In his final days, surrounded by Lorraine, Ashton, family, faithful friends, and the comfort of prayer, he found peace knowing his family would carry on together. His courage, faith, and love became one final gift to those closest to him.

Wayne also shared a special bond with his beloved cat, Harlo, who rarely left his side throughout his illness. Day after day, Harlo curled up beside him, offering quiet comfort and companionship when words were no longer needed.

Wayne’s legacy is not measured by the things he owned but by the life he built. He built beautiful homes, lifelong friendships, unforgettable adventures, and, most importantly, a family rooted in love. He taught those around him the value of hard work, loyalty, resilience, and living life to the fullest.

Although our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing that Wayne’s suffering has ended and that he is now at peace. His laughter, his stories, his strength, and his unwavering love will remain with us forever.

Wayne was predeceased by his parents, Gordon M. Ellis Jr. and Arlene Ellis.

He is survived by his devoted wife and soulmate, Lorraine, with whom he shared 27 years together, including 21 years of marriage; his beloved son, Ashton, who was the pride and joy of his life; his brothers, Don Ellis and his wife, Barbara Ellis, and Keith Ellis; his brother-in-law, Gary Holt and his significant other, Maecy Newman; his sister-in-law, Sherry Hebert and her significant other, Clem Bachmeier; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and lifelong friends who loved him dearly.

SERVICES: Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm Street in Manchester from 4pm – 7pm. Burial with military honors will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at the New Hampshire State Veteran’s Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway in Boscawen at 11am.

Until we meet again, you will forever be loved, forever be missed, and forever remain in our hearts.