Wayne (76) passed away unexpectedly at home on January 22. He was born to Howard and Jean (Nate) Smith on March 8, 1946 in Moxee, WA. He attended Yakima public schools, graduating from Eisenhower in 1965. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1965 -1969.
Wayne started his career in the roofing business, retiring in 2013 from Leslie Campbell Roofing as an estimator. He was a member of the American Legion and Fraternal Order of Eagles. He played baseball, pool and golf earlier in his life. He was a sports fanatic. But his greatest passion was fishing - from Alaska to the Columbia River to Long Beach, WA to Cabo San Lucas, MX.
Wayne was generous to a fault with his time for family and friends. He would do anything for them. He was a great story teller, especially about his time in the Coast Guard. Wayne loved to travel. Cabo was a favorite destination.
Wayne is survived by his fiance’, Cheryl Latendresse, a sister Joan Koreski and a brother Rick Smith (Cindy), sister-in-law and brother-in-law Bill and Judy Lipsey and many nieces and nephews and his special cousin, Lynn Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Doris, brother Larry and sister Barbara.
A celebration of life will be held at the American Legion Logan Wheeler Post 36, at 1120 N 34th Ave. on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at 1:00pm. Please dress casually. Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warriors Project, Tunnel to Towers Foundation or the American Legion.
A private graveside service was held for Wayne prior to the celebration of his life. To leave a memory for the family please visit keithandkeith.com.
