Wayne ‘Wanga’ Howard dies: Lake Haven Shopping Centre pays tribute

Tributes are pouring in after the sudden death of Wayne “Wanga” Howard — a man dubbed by many a “Lake Haven icon” and a permanent memorial is being considered.

Tributes have poured in after the sudden death of Wayne 'Wanga' Howard. Picture: Facebook.

Tributes are pouring in after the sudden death of Wayne “Wanga” Howard — a man dubbed by many a “Lake Haven icon”

Mr Howard, aged in his 40s, died on Friday May 17, sparking an outpouring of public grief, a GoFundMe page, and many tributes on social media.

The former Wyong High School student was a regular at Lake Have Shopping Centre where he often took up a position on a bench seat and was always up for a chat.

Management of Lake Haven Shopping Centre is considering installing a plaque on Wanga’s favourite seat as a tribute to the much loved local man.

The seat where Wanga used to sit at Lake Have Shopping Centre was covered in flowers and tributes. Picture: Facebook.

Centre Manager Mike Chochrane posted on Lake Haven Centre’s Facebook page after hearing the sad news.

“One of our customer service team contacted me with the sad news. Wanga was one of our ‘favourite sons’,” Mr Chochrane said.

“He was a regular face for many years. He was always polite. He loved a chat about footy and his beloved Roosters.

“He only ever called me Cochrane and I always responded with Wanga!

“The Lake Haven family of customers and retailers will have a collective heavy heart today.

“We will look at some form of permanent tribute for Wanga to place on his favourite seat. Our condolences are sent out his family and friends. We will miss you Wanga.”

Mr Chochrane said later he had met with Wanga’s parents who were overwhelmed by the community response to Wayne’s passing.

Flowers and other tributes to Wayne 'Wanga' Howard at Lake Haven shops.

“They agreed to accept all of the flowers, cards, signs and gifts left in remembrance of Wayne, and they have now taken them home,” Mr Chochrane said.

Central Coast Chooks & Wyong Roos Facebook group also paid tribute to Wanga.

“Today we pay tribute to our good friend Wayne Wyong Roos Roosters who suddenly passed away in his home a couple of days ago,” they posted.

“Wayne was a well known Coastie, Roosters and Roos fan and an icon at Lake Haven Shopping Centre,” they said.

“He will be sadly missed by all who got to know him.”

Wanga pictured with Maree Chookie Lees. Picture: Central Coast Chooks and Wyong Roos Group Facebook page.

A GoFundMe page has been opened to help raise funds for Wanga’s funeral costs and many people who knew him have left comments there.

Patrick Lott wrote he “had known Wayne since we were boys playing basketball and throughout the last thirty years”.

“I always liked him and he was always kind to me and kind to my children and he loved my dog Rocket who he’d look after for me while I ducked into the shops.

Rest in peace Wanga sign at Lake Haven Shops.

“I wish I could give more because Wayne was a good man and a good friend not to just to me, but to everyone … never heard him once say a bad word about anyone and he was honest and kind which so few people are nowadays … rest in peace my friend.”

Ryan Eldridge said he had “known Wanga since high school and couldn’t find a nicer gentle giant”.

“Loved his footy and never forgot a person’s name or nickname.”

Lauren Williams wrote that when she went to the shops “he was always there saying hello to everyone, always a respectful bloke that never caused any harm”.