Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Amandalina Letterio

Wayne Brennan

Kamloops says goodbye to the ‘Can Man’

Jul 6, 2021 | 5:03 PM

KAMLOOPS — They say the heart of a city is its people, and one person who made Kamloops’ heart beat for decades was Wayne Brennan. Kamloops is saying goodbye to its beloved ‘Can Man’.

For over 20 years, Brennan has been waking up at the crack of dawn, hopping on the bus and scouring the city for empty cans.

“He was very, very energetic. He was always moving, always smiling, always reaching out to shake your hand. He was a great person, great personality,” recalled Chris Ivany Smithies, manager at General Grant’s Bottle Depot.

Brennan collected cans as an effort to supplement his disability cheque, and he would use the money to make someone special smile.

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Years ago, in an interview with CFJC News, Brennan said he collected the cans so that he had money to buy his wife soap opera books — something she loves to read.

Now, to carry on his legacy, the Kamloops community is showing its support in his memory.

Since Brennan’s recent passing, Kamloopsians have requested to donate to his account at General Grant’s Bottle Depot on the North Shore. As a result of the outpouring, Ivany Smithies said he is happy to keep the account open and accept donations.

In a Facebook post, Fun Factor on the North Shore said it will also be making a donation to Brennan’s fund. “…He was a well-known, fun character we would see on a regular basis, with his giant smile,” the post stated.

You can contribute to Brennan’s bottle account at General Grant’s Bottle Depot on the North Shore. Proceeds will be given to his wife for her soap opera books, as he would have wanted.

Kamloops’ ‘Can Man’ will be greatly missed.