Wayne Leslie Schumacher

Wayne Leslie Schumacher was born on April 25, 1949 in Portland, Oregon. He was raised with two siblings, Eva and Brad. Wayne attended Benson High School then enlisted in the United States Army in 1967. He served two tours in Vietnam, during which time he was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Distinguished Flying Cross medal. Wayne was honorably discharged in 1970.

Wayne furthered his education at Portland State University and Concordia University where he studied business and health care administration. He went on to be the CEO of Eye Health Partners for over three years and, more recently, the CEO of NW Association Management for over 14 years. Other jobs that Wayne had ranged from being a mechanic to a professional photographer as well as an employee benefits insurance agent. He also served as the executive director of the Oregon Optometric Physicians Association (OOPA), marketing director of PacifiCare of Oregon and executive director of Optometric Service Organization (OSO).

Wayne was a member of several community organizations including the Sunset H.O.G. Chapter, the American Motorcyclist Association, ABATE of Oregon, and he served two years on the AOA Affiliate Advisory Committee before being appointed to the AOA leadership Cabinet Pool. In 1988 he was appointed by Oregon's then Governor, Barbara Roberts to the Governors Motorcycle Safety Advisory Committee, serving for nine years, chairing the committee for five. He was also a lobbyist, registered with the State of Oregon and President and Board Chair of the Oregon Health Forum; and past President of the Oregon Society of Association Management and Oregon Health Underwriters Association.

Among his many life achievements, Wayne will be most remembered for his enthusiasm for motorcycles, especially Harley Davidsons. Friends and family will remember him dressed in his riding chaps and motorcycle scarf. Wayne was devoted to caring for others and showed this through his affiliation with many non-profit, charitable organizations. He was also dedicated to eye health care, constantly reminding those around him to be sure to get their eyes checked regularly! Other achievements and awards include receiving the Distinguished Service Award in 1985 from the National Association of Health Underwriters, Award of Service and Leadership (1989-1997) from the Governors Motorcycle Advisory Committee, Award of Appreciation in 1995 from the Oregon Optometric Physicians Association, Government Affairs Award in 1999 from the Oregon Society of Association Management, and the President's Award in 2003 from the Oregon Optometric Physicians Association.

Wayne passed away on April 13, 2010 in his home, surrounded by his loving family. A memorial service will be held at 1PM, Tuesday, April 20, 2010 in Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home. (Please enter through gate 9) Inurnment and military honors will follow in Willamette National Cemetery. Wayne is survived by his only daughter, Ann (Chance) Souders; parents, Leslie and Jeanette Schumacher; grandchildren, Dylan Wright and Zoey Souders; sister, Eva Tendollen; brother, Brad (Laura) Schumacher; nieces, Megan (Jason) Hunt, Melissa (Josh) LaPine, and Amy (Doug) DeGrande; nephew, James Schumacher; three grandnieces; and countless treasured friends and business associates.

The family thanks you for your continued love and support at such a difficult time. They suggest contributions in Wayne’s name to the Esophageal Cancer Awareness Association (www.ECaware.org) in lieu of flowers.

"Riding is a passion for me, my Zen so to speak. There is no better feeling than the relaxation I get from riding the byways of this great country." ~ Wayne Schumacher

Please sign the online guest book for the family. A full photo slideshow is coming soon to this site.

Arrangements are in the care of Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home.