I met Wayne's double bass long before I met him. My parents, Gottfried and Marie Sprecher were good friends and bridge partners with Wayne's dad Mel and stepmother Phyllis. I was quite a few years younger than Wayne and was intrigued with this huge machine in the corner of Mel's house. I was still very young when I met Wayne and his wife Laferne – I thought Laferne was an angel and she certainly sang like one. Later my dad and Wayne were playing in a band together and my sister Carmen Walisser babysat the three boys, Wade, Mark and Reed. I don't remember Carmen telling me any stories about bad boys but recently in talking with Wade Rodacker, he made a comment about "Get to bed!" – I can guess where he heard that. I met up again with Wayne and Laferne in 2010 when my husband Geoffrey Hatfield and I retired from New Westminster to West Kelowna where Mom and Dad were already living. By chance, Wayne and Laferne's home formed part of a triangle with Mom and Dad's home and ours in the Canyon Ridge Estates. Wayne always kept an eye on any package deliveries or garage doors left open at night! Wayne and Laferne spent their winters down south and mom and dad and my husband and I looked after their home when they were gone. On their last trip south, we got the phone call that Laferne had had a serious stroke and I remember my dad who was two weeks away from passing away with cancer talking to Wayne on the phone giving him support. The care that I saw Wayne giving to Laferne for so many years as she struggled with her affliction still brings such a warmth to my heart. Who knew Wayne (or anyone) could do all that? He was fanatical about brushing Laferne's teeth for her knowing how important dental care is as we get older. He told me recently that he had had to work hard to win Laferne's heart from the military men who were after her too. And his (and Laferne's) smiles were large when they talked or thought about their growing family. I suggested to Wayne that he post a sign in our community to see if someone close by might sit with Laferne to give him some respite. Bev Zelinski and her dog Chimbo answered the call so Wayne could get out and play his now electric bass and sing for dances, at senior's homes and with fiddlers and an accordion club. Bev and Chimbo were just loved by Wayne and Laferne. In so many talks with Wayne, it was clear that he had three loves in his life – Laferne, his family and music. He gave so much support to other musicians and so much pleasure to people listening or dancing to his music. I still remember the gratitude of my parents when Wayne played to help them celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. We will remember Wayne's humour (even when going through tough medical treatments), his good heartedness and friendship. He regularly sent out emails and videos, several of which I have kept. Possibly one of my favourites is a video of "Yesterday When I Was Young". The comment Wayne sent with the email said "All that really counts is how one played in yesterday's game". None of us plays a perfect game in life but Wayne, I think you played a winning game.

We were "Wayne #1, Wayne #2, Wayne #3", depending who was counting, all the years that the 3 of us (Wayne Rodacker, Wayne Blair & Wayne Angman) were members of the Kelowna Old Time Fiddlers. We had a lot of fun with that as we did playing for dances and performances all over town. Wayne's skills on the bass and as a vocalist made our roles a whole lot easier. I appreciate that but, most of all, I cherish the friendship that we had and continued to have (via email) after Pauline & I moved to Calgary. We are also thankful that we have copies of Wayne & Laferne's CDs. They were both very talented musicians/vocalists. Our condolences to Wade, Mark, Reed & families. Wayne & Pauline Angman Calgary, Alberta

I had the pleasure of playing with Wayne and Victor Ukrainetz in our band together called the Authentic's for over five years , Wayne was a very talented base player and vocalist, and his passion for music will always resonate with us. A kind and loving musical genius. Jam sessions with our families, spending time at Sturgeon lake memories we will forever cherish and all round special family friend and mentor. Will have his music forever to listen to, one of our favourites songs he played for us was "I love little baby ducks" by Tom T Hall. Our deepest condolences to the Rodacker families. ❤️💔 Lloyd & Sandra Friedel and Jana & Deena

My deepest condolences to the whole family. I used to work with Kirsten. This is always a sad time but try to remember the good times and memories. May God bring your family peace at this most emotional time. God's hands are there for you all for peace. Blessed be.