Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - After fighting a battle with lung cancer for over six months, "Vallarta Today" newspaper editor, Wayne McLeod, passed away late Sunday morning at Medasist Hospital in Puerto Vallarta. A memorial mass will be held tonight, Monday, October 29, 2012, at 7 pm, at the Virgin of Guadalupe Cathedral in downtown Puerto Vallarta.

Originally from Vancouver, BC, Wayne made the move to Puerto Vallarta in 1990, when he decided to stay for a year and write for a small publication called "This Week in Vallarta." This meant attending and reporting on all of the events around town, which coincided with the needs of the then editor of "Vallarta Today," who invited him to collaborate on the English-language daily.

Eventually, McLeod took over as the paper's editor in chief, where his 15 years of dedication, perseverance, journalistic abilities and above all, love of Puerto Vallarta, made him an important part of our community.

After being diagnosed with the disease earlier this year, Wayne continued to do what he loved most - writing - in spite of his battle with cancer. He will be remembered as being an excellent co-worker, friend, and someone whose contributions to our city are immeasurable.

We'll miss you, Wayne, and send our sincere condolences to Laura López Labra, friends, family, and everyone who was fortunate enough to know him.