Wayne Harmon

Wayne Peter Harmon was born to Helene and Peter Harmon, growing up with younger siblings Judy and Steve in Washington state. They were a family of farmers and fishermen, straddling American land Canadian national cultures and heritages. He was baptized in 1961 in Pullman, Washington. Wayne moved to Arizona in 1982 where he met and married Virginia that same year on November 27th. He then became a second father to children Amy, Dietrich and Nani.

Wayne was beloved in all roles in his life: as a devoted and committed husband, loving and giving father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, uncle and cousin. He was a thoughtful and humorous friend and colleague, and was an engaged church and community member.

Wayne and Virginia enjoyed the amazing richness, love and peace of almost 39 years of marriage. His children, grandchildren and extended family experienced his countless efforts, sacrifices, concern and care all their lives. He brought love, learning, safety, security and fun to all who knew him!

Wayne was a lifelong educator and student. As a young man he obtained his Eagle Scout credential and went on to teach others aspects of these skills. After high school, he graduated from Washington State University. In addition to his bachelor's degree in geology, he also completed his teaching certification and won grants through the National Science Foundation. He taught science and math to junior high and high school students for over 18 years. He later recareered and obtained another college degree in business, where he worked in Information Technology at AT&T for an additional 18 years. He worked on an ocean fishing boat in Alaska for three summers to pay for college and supported his children and grandchildren attending college, too. After retiring, he further served as a docent at the Desert Botanical Gardens for 10 years and was a reading tutor for young children at Madison Elementary School for seven years. his openness to learning new things and overall inquisitiveness contributed to his family guidance, leadership and pursuit of an array of hobbies such as: steam trains, puzzles, photography, needlepoint, cross-stitch, computer-related skills and games, gardening, camping and traveling.

Wayne also was an explorer of the world around him. His scientific interests underscored his love for traveling and seeing the natural world around us. He was a keen observer and taught others the art of close observation. He relished examining new maps and following them to unknown and familiar places, planning his explorations and seizing the moment for spontaneous side trips. He was deeply respectful of nature and the environment, seeing our place in the world as one of co-existence and appreciation. He visited all of them National Parks, 49/50 U.S. States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and various countries in Central and South America. Going through the Panama Canal was a lifetime dream realized. Particular places of meaning for im were Alaska, the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, the coasts of Washington and Oregon, Hawaii and Yellowstone.

Wayne was a principled man with a literal compass for his explorations and a moral compass for his life choices, relationships and work. He perpetually strove to do the right thing in this world and used his gregarious, flexible and positive nature to make a difference across all spheres of his life.

Wayne was active in the Christian faith. He believed in Jesus Christ, our Savior, and with certainty knew he was going to Heaven. His faith guided him all of his life, with spiritual practice and active involvement in his churches in Washington and Arizona. The church was the center of Virginia and Wayne's life together. he lived a life of servant leadership, emulating his principles in every aspect.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Virginia, daughter Amy (Michael), son Dietrich, daughter Rebecca Nani, along with grandchildren Caitlin and Zoe, his sister Judy, his brother Steve, nephews Scott (Anita) and Troy and niece Tammy (Mike).

Our loss is great, as Wayne Peter Harmon truly was a great man. His legacy lives through the memories of roads travelled, the kindness bestowed, the lessons taught, the laughter and fun, but most of all in the love given. We will treasure every moment and memory and will always miss you. Thank you, Wayne, and God bless you in Heaven.

A visitation will be held at West Resthaven Funeral Home (6450 W. Northern Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301) on Thursday, November 4, 2021 from 4:00-7:00 PM.

An additional visitation will be held on Friday, November 5, 2021 at St. John's Lutheran Church (7205 N. 51st Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301) from 10:00-10:45 AM with a service to follow at 11:00 AM. Burial will take place at Resthaven Park Cemetery after services.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Salvation Army, Phoenix Rescue Mission or The West Valley Community Food Pantry.