Wayne Donald Canedy

Wayne Donald Canedy, son of the late Donald O. Canedy and Florence G. Hicks, was born on April 30, 1933, in North Adams, MA. At the age of 7, Wayne and his family moved to Florida, MA where he attended school there in a one-room schoolhouse! From there, he went to Drury High School and was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1953. Wayne's Army training took place in Fort Lewis, WA and he was deployed to Sasebo, Japan and then later to South Korea.

As much as he enjoyed the discipline and camaraderie during his time in the military, he was anxious to return home. Upon arriving back in the United States, Wayne enrolled himself at Bryant College in Providence, RI where he was a part of the accelerated business management program, graduating in 1958.

After graduation, Wayne joined the family business that had been started by his father and uncle in Florida, MA: the Whitcomb Summit Resort, the Hairpin Turn Gift Shop, and the Restaurant on the Mohawk Trail. In 1960, Wayne decided to go "on the road", becoming a commissioned agent for numerous manufacturers and suppliers of the tourist industry in New England and New York. He purchased a 28-foot Winnebago motorhome and converted it into a travelling showroom - this was unique and his customers loved his timesaving idea! During his time on the road, Wayne met some very interesting people who became both valued friends and customers.

In 1970, Wayne sold his home in Florida, MA and built a rustic building on Route 7 in Lanesboro, MA with the help of Bob Wirtes. He concluded his travelling sales business and opened up a retail shop known as the "Outpost" and then later "Canedy's Pendleton." Their Pendleton store was a thriving business for over twenty-five years and Wayne was well-known in the Berkshire County community for being a successful, generous, and honest entrepreneur.

On June 14, 1976, Wayne married the love of his life, Betsy Adele Scace, at her home in Hinsdale, MA. After marrying, Wayne and Betsy moved into the large apartment over the Pendleton Store and Betsy went to work decorating. Throughout their long and vibrant marriage, Wayne and Betsy moved numerous times, buying and selling homes in Williamstown, MA; Kanab, UT; Hancock, MA; and then finally, in Dalton, MA.

Wayne had a particular interest in the Southwest and Native Americans. He had numerous collections over the years to include old Indian calendars advertising the Great Northern Railroad as well as Cigar Store Indians. As part of his love for the Southwest, Wayne and Betsy would spend several months out of each year travelling cross country, visiting museums, friends, and two of their daughters. During one of their adventures out West, Wayne and Betsy purchased a home in Kanab, UT, where they lived for several years before returning to the Berkshires. While living there, Wayne immersed himself in studying the culture of the great Southwest. He was particularly impressed with the works of John Wesley Powell.

Wayne lived a long and beautiful life, filled with great adventures and colorful memories. He was incredibly proud of his children - especially the fact that his daughter Beth continued in his entrepreneurial footsteps. In retirement, Wayne stayed busy with his hobbies and volunteered with the Berkshire Carousel helping with the construction of the horses. He was hardworking, loving, and one of the best storytellers the world will ever know - always ending the story with his signature chuckle.

Wayne passed peacefully from this life on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, with his beloved wife by his side. His life will forever be cherished by his wife of forty-five years, Betsy Canedy of Chesterfield, VA; his children - Beth Canedy of Cottonwood, AZ, Christopher Canedy of Darlington, SC, Cheryl Giulino (John) of Chesterfield, VA, and Susan Lindberg (David) of Sunset, UT; sisters - Alenda Morrison and Nancy Canedy both of Mashpee, MA, Marcia Canedy-Stehlin (Bernard) of Germany; grandchildren - Dan Sullivan, Ryan Sullivan (Abrial), Chelsea Tovar (Mauricio), Landon Lindberg, and Lauren Lindberg; and great grandsons - Zack and Mason Tovar. Wayne was predeceased by his parents and by his sister Marian Canedy.

A private family ceremony is planned for the summer. Condolences may be sent to the Devanny-Condron Funeral Home, 40 Maplewood Avenue, Pittsfield, MA 01201.