Leslie Wayne Gulde

Leslie Wayne Gulde was born May 27, 1927 in Portland, Oregon, the younger of two sons born to Leslie Charles and Cora Carlson Gulde. A short time after his birth the family moved to Battle Ground, Washington. He graduated from Battle Ground High School in the class of 1944 along with about 26 other classmates. Wayne and his older brother Glen grew up on the family farm where they enjoyed hunting and fishing. Their father supported the family by farming and working at a local lumber mill.

After high school, Wayne joined the Merchant Marines for two years and had several other jobs including working on The Dallas Dam and at Firestone Tire in Los Angeles, California. In 1950 he enlisted in the Army where he served actively during the Korean War. He continued to serve in the reserves and received an honorable discharge in 1956. Near the end of his enlistment he met the love of his life, Gloria Dawn Novick and on May 1, 1954 they were married in Stevenson, Washington. After returning from Korea, Wayne joined his father in the home building business, eventually forming Gulde & Son Inc. Wayne continued to build homes for nearly 30 years. Even after retiring from homebuilding, his strong work ethic made it hard for him to be still. He formed Four Star Building Supply with his nephew Stephen Frazer and later yet made gable vents for local building supply dealers in his garage. He finally fully retired in the 1990s.

Wayne and Gloria enjoyed their family and hosting gatherings at their home. They also vacationed together including a trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. Later they had a motorhome and among other places enjoyed the Long Beach peninsula. In the new century, Gloria’s health faded and Wayne became his beloved wife’s main care giver for nearly ten years. After 52 years of marriage Gloria passed away in 2006.

Wayne is survived by his children, Robin and Pamella; 4 grandchildren (Patrick, Kevin, Sarah and Carl) and 3 great grandchildren (Weston, Neila and Emma).

A private family gathering will be held in the near future. Internment will be at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Gresham, OR.