The Albert County Historical Society is deeply saddened by the passing of Wayne Steeves and extends heartfelt condolences to the Steeves family. The Albert County Historical Society is truly thankful for the loyal support and encouragement provided over the years by Wayne, “dedicated friend and Lifetime Member of the Society”. He faithfully attended events and celebrations at the Museum, and assisted in many ways to honour, respect and preserve the heritage of Albert County, his beloved home.
Wayne Steeves will forever be remembered as an honourable man, highly respected for his commitment to family, community and public service as MLA to the people of Albert Riding for fifteen years.
Wayne Steeves, beloved husband, father, grandfather, businessman, politician, and man of great faith, passed away peacefully on Oct. 12, 2026 in his home surrounded by his loving family.
Wayne leaves behind his loving wife of 58 years, Tanya; his daughters, Krista Steeves (Brian Thompson) and Melissa Shaw (Samuel Shaw); and his six cherished grandchildren, Beth, Kate, Laura, Vera, Madeleine, and Oscar. He will also be fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Wayne was predeceased by his parents, Noel and Vera (Downing) Steeves of Lower Coverdale, and his siblings, Lotan Steeves (Myna) of Petitcodiac, Lelia Adair (Earl) of Lower Coverdale, Doreen Power (Bill) of Lower Coverdale, Richard Steeves (Lorna) of Riverview, and Winston Steeves (Phyllis) of Lower Coverdale.
Born in 1944, Wayne was the son of the late Noel Steeves and Vera (Downing) Steeves. He began his career as a printer with Moncton Publishing Company in 1962 to 1978. Afterwards Wayne established Way-Mac Ventures, a promotional products company he owned and operated for more than 20 years.
Wayne's true passion was politics. He served as Executive Assistant to the Honourable Malcolm MacLeod, New Brunswick's Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources, from 1980 to 1987. In 1999, he was elected to the New Brunswick Legislative Assembly representing the riding of Albert. Re-elected in 2003, he was appointed Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. His hard work and dedication to the riding of Albert resulted in re-election in 2006 and 2010. He retired in 2014 after serving 15 years as the MLA for the riding of Albert.
A proud and devoted Progressive Conservative, Wayne became a familiar and respected figure in New Brunswick politics. He was a stalwart of the Progressive Conservative Party, known throughout the province for his loyalty, dedication, and remarkable ability to connect with people. Although his political convictions were firmly held, his friendships crossed party lines and he earned the respect of colleagues on both sides of the Legislature.
Wayne had a deep love for Albert County and its people. His commitment to his community and to public service was genuine and lifelong. Wayne considered being elected to represent the people of Albert County one of the greatest honours of his life. He was often heard saying, "I am so thankful for the support from the good people of Albert County."
A true measure of a man is not found in the titles he holds or the positions he achieves, but in how he treats people along the way. Wayne lived by this code. His door was always open, his ear always willing to listen, and his desire to help was genuine. Wherever Wayne went, he could be found talking to people, listening to someone's story and looking for a way to make a difference.
Wayne was a gifted public speaker, a natural storyteller, and a man who always had a joke ready. Whether speaking on the floor of the Legislature, sharing stories around the kitchen table, or chatting with someone in the community, he had a remarkable ability to captivate an audience. He was a highly sought-after auctioneer, generously lending his talents to charitable fundraisers throughout the province. With his quick wit, warm personality, and extraordinary gift of persuasion, Wayne could entertain a crowd while convincing them to dig a little deeper into their pockets, and have them laughing all the way to the bank. All for a good cause, of course!
Wayne was a man of deep and unwavering faith and a lifetime member of Lower Coverdale Baptist Church. His faith was not simply something he professed, but something he lived. Wayne taught his family that while we may not always understand God's plan, we can always trust in His goodness. His faith was his foundation, his source of strength, and one of the greatest gifts he leaves behind.
In retirement, Wayne enjoyed spending time with his family, visiting with friends, keeping up with politics, traveling, puttering around the yard, and doing whatever he pleased; which occasionally meant doing very little at all.
Wayne Steeves was a local legend. He lived a full life, filled with faith, family, friendship, laughter, and service to others. His stories will be retold, his jokes remembered, and his legacy will live on through the many lives he touched.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the extraordinary Extra-Mural team for their compassionate care and unwavering support, as well as to Dr. Babin and Dr. Brideau for their kindness and dedication throughout Wayne's care.
For those wishing to honour Wayne's memory, donations may be made to Lower Coverdale Baptist Church, the Albert County Food Bank, or, in true Wayne fashion, the Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick. We think he would get a kick out of that last one!
Visitation will take place at Cobb’s Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 330 Whitepine Rd., Riverview (869-2007) on Friday, October 23 from 2:00-4:00 pm and 6:00-8:00 pm. With a service paying tribute to his life taking place on Saturday, October 24 at 11AM from the funeral home with a reception to follow. The interment will take place at the Wilmot Cemetery.