October 12, 1947 – May 14, 2026 

After a long and courageous battle with multiple health issues, Dwight Oatway passed away on May 14, 2026 (Ascension Day), surrounded by the love of his wife, Islay, and their two sons, Michael and Chad. 

Dwight is lovingly remembered by his wife of 54 years, Islay; his sons, Michael (Melissa) of Kamloops and Chad (Jenn) of New Westminster; and his five grandchildren: Noah, Solomon, Josiah, Katelyn, and Owen. He is also survived by his sister Leslie (Shelley) Gautschi, his brother Ricky Oatway, and sisters-in-law Marion Oatway and Susan Oatway. He was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Dora Oatway; his brother Derek Oatway; and his sister Karen Oatway. 

Dwight was born in Flin Flon, Manitoba, and was the eldest of five children. At age five, he moved with his family to their farm near Adanac, Saskatchewan, originally homesteaded by his grandfather in 1904. He began his education in a one-room schoolhouse in Nottawa, Saskatchewan, before completing most of his schooling in Unity. For Grade 12, he traveled to California to live with relatives and pursue his passion for baseball. An active and athletic person, Dwight enjoyed many sports, including baseball, basketball, hockey, track and field, golf, curling, and skiing. Growing up on the farm, he developed a strong work ethic and a “jack of all trades” mindset, learning to make the most of any situation. 

In 1967, Dwight attended the University of Saskatchewan, earning a diploma from the School of Agriculture. During summers, he worked with the Saskatchewan Department of Highways and the Scott Agricultural Experimental Farm. It was during those years that he met Islay Mackay through her brother Eldon. After university, Dwight moved to British Columbia, where he worked in construction at the Hefley Creek Plywood Mill and later as a lift operator at Grandview Ski Hill. In 1970, he joined Lornex Copper Mine (now Highland Valley Copper) as one of its earliest employees, working there until 1984. Dwight and Islay maintained a four-year courtship before marrying in October 1971. Together they raised their two sons and built a life filled with outdoor activity and community. Dwight enjoyed softball, golf, and fishing in the summer, and skiing at Todd Mountain (now Sun Peaks) with Islay and family in the winter. The family shared many memorable camping trips with friends. 

In 1984, Dwight moved his family to Barranquilla, Colombia, after accepting a position with Exxon overseeing an explosives plant at a coal mine in La Guajira. During their time in South America, the family traveled extensively throughout the region and beyond. They returned to Kamloops in 1988, where Dwight and Islay purchased and successfully operated Minnella Building Maintenance for 22 years. Faith and community were central to Dwight’s life. He and Islay were active members of St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, where Dwight served as People’s Warden, contributed to committees, and supported numerous church events. He also served as a Lay Minister and was deeply involved in the Marriage Encounter and Cursillo communities. Later, Dwight and Islay attended St. Hilda’s Anglican Church in Savona. 

In retirement, Dwight continued his service with the Anglican Parishes of the Central Interior (later the Territory of the People), contributing for over 19 years, including serving as Financial Officer from 2011 to 2021. In recognition of his commitment, he was named a Canon. Retirement brought many adventures. Dwight hiked the West Coast Trail, helped organize group hikes and canoe trips such as the “Bowron Seniors Escape,” and enjoyed travel, including an Alaskan cruise and a visit to Haida Gwaii. 

In 2018, he completed a remarkable personal journey, walking over 1,000 kilometres along the Camino de Santiago from France to Spain and onward to Finisterre in celebration of his 70th birthday. This achievement was one of the highlights of his life. In his later years, Dwight cherished time with friends and family through Nordic pole walking, golfing, curling, fishing, camping, and travels — especially trips to Mexico. He valued the friendships he built and the strong sense of community he carried throughout his life. 

Dwight will be remembered for his quirky sense of humour, adventurous spirit, deep faith, dedication to family, and his ability to connect with others. The family would like to thank the doctors and medical staff of Interior Health for their exceptional care of Dwight’s medical needs over the past several years and to the staff of the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Hospice Home for their passion and loving care during Dwight’s final days. 

A Celebration of Life for Dwight will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 11:00 am at St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, 360 Nicola St., Kamloops. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dwight’s memory can be made to the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Hospice Home, Royal Inland Hospital Foundation, or St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral.

• Date : 2026-05-14
• Location : Kamloops