The Sarnia Journal has partnered with local photographer Art Connolly to feature his captivating “Humans of Sarnia” series as he delves into the lives and experiences of everyday people in Sarnia.
When you sit down with Wayne Begarnie, you quickly realize you’re in the presence of a man who has spent a lifetime not only working with his hands, but also building a life of purpose, love, and community. His story begins in the small town of Petrolia, Ontario, where he was born into a family with just one brother. Wayne grew up attending Johnston Memorial Public School before moving on to Sarnia Collegiate and Technical School, more fondly known as SCITS. Those years would lay the foundation for both his career and his lifelong devotion to family.
After graduating high school, Wayne made the practical decision to pursue further education at Fanshawe College, focusing on trades studies. He would go on to become a sheet metal worker, earning his gas fitter’s license along the way. His career path was never confined to just one skill or one trade. Over the years, Wayne worked shoulder-to-shoulder with carpenters, boilermakers, and electricians. “I’m well versed in a lot of technical skills,” he explains. “I’m not afraid to tackle anything anymore. There isn’t much I can’t do.”
For a decade, Wayne worked at what locals refer to simply as “the plants.” But after ten years of steady work, he felt the pull to go back to school and solidify his credentials. It was a decision that would open doors to new opportunities across Ontario. “I worked out of a Union, so wherever the work was, that’s where I went,” he recalls. His travels took him to Windsor, Oshawa, and Sudbury, among other places. For Wayne, the road was part of the job, and the job was always about providing for his family.
That family story began early. Wayne and his wife, Patricia, were high school sweethearts—a partnership that has stood the test of time. Sixty-one years later, their bond is still as strong as ever. Together, they raised two children, who went on to give them seven grandchildren and, eventually, seven great-grandchildren. In a world where long marriages often seem rare, Wayne and Patricia stand as an example of what commitment, patience, and love can create across generations.
When Wayne isn’t reflecting on his career or his family, his eyes light up talking about his true creative passion: wood carving. For him, carving isn’t just a hobby—it’s an art form and a source of deep satisfaction. Shaping wood with tools to create intricate figures, ornaments, or decorative designs requires patience and vision. Wayne remembers his first carving project back in grade seven or eight, an experience that sparked a lifelong interest.
Today, that interest has blossomed into something remarkable. Step into Wayne’s studio and you’re immediately surrounded by an array of detailed pieces that showcase decades of practice, craftsmanship, and dedication. Each carving tells its own story, the result of countless hours of steady hands and creative focus. “It’s something that keeps me busy, keeps my mind sharp,” Wayne says with a smile.
But Wayne isn’t carving alone. He is the current President of Triple “C” Carvers, a local wood carving club that has been active in the community since 1987. Originally started in Corunna, the group was founded for people who love working with wood, offering a space to exchange ideas, learn new techniques, or simply gather for coffee and conversation. The club today has about 25 members, but Wayne emphasizes that anyone is welcome to join. “There are no requirements,” he explains. “Just come by, and if you’re interested, we’ll even provide you with a starter kit—complete with a knife and a cutout to carve.”
Meetings are held Wednesday mornings at 9 a.m., where members gather over coffee, cookies, and conversation. During the summer months, they move outdoors and meet “under the bridge,” inviting anyone curious to bring a lawn chair and take part in the fellowship. It’s a welcoming environment where skill levels don’t matter as much as curiosity and camaraderie. The club resumes its formal meetings on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at the Navy Club on Lougar Street in Sarnia, running from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
Triple “C” Carvers is about more than just technique—it’s about community. Members share meals at their annual Christmas dinner and enjoy summer picnics together. They also give back. One holiday season, the group created and donated carved items for veterans at Parkwood Hospital, offering not just art, but a gesture of appreciation and care.
Wayne takes pride not only in his own work but also in the joy of fostering a space where others can explore their creativity. In a world often dominated by screens and fast-paced living, carving offers something different: the chance to slow down, focus, and create something tangible with your own hands.
Looking back, Wayne’s journey weaves together multiple threads—family, skilled trades, travel, craftsmanship, and community. He embodies the resilience and resourcefulness of someone who has built a life through hard work and creativity. But perhaps the most striking part of his story is his willingness to share that journey with others, whether through teaching, leading, or simply inviting a newcomer to sit down, have a coffee, and give carving a try.
In the end, Wayne Begarnie is more than a craftsman. He is a teacher, a leader, a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a great-grandfather. He is someone who has found meaning not just in what he can build with his hands, but also in the relationships and community he has built along the way. And for those lucky enough to step into his studio or attend a Wednesday morning meeting, they will find not only the beauty of carved wood but also the warmth of connection.
"Humans of Sarnia" founder Art Connolly is a man fuelled by curiosity and a passion for connecting with people in Sarnia. Inspired by the renowned “Humans of New York” series, with a camera in hand, he captures the very essence of the individuals he encounters, preserving their stories through his lens. Follow his series on Instagram and Facebook.
