Wayne Edward Lansing

Wayne Lansing passed away peacefully at his home in Portland, on March 22, 2018, at age 95. He was married to Audy Lansing from 1942, until her death in 1978. Survived by daughter Dianne Arntsen, and Verna Lansing, sister-in-law and loving caregiver during the past decade plus. Also, Philip Cushman, nephew, and many other nieces and nephews.

A World War II veteran, Wayne served under General George Patton, as the Commander of an M8 tank assigned to the 821st Tank Destroyer Battalion. He participated in the Normandy Invasion of France on D-Day June 6, 1944, landing his tank on Omaha Beach. His initial mission was to travel 270 miles east to Brest, France, in order to force the surrender of Nazi U-Boat submarine pens, and thereby eliminate the Nazi wolfpacks which were devastating allied shipping.

He thereafter commanded his tank each day during his entire horrific war, all the way until American tanks met Russian tanks at the Elbe River near Torgau, Germany, on April 25, 1945.

His first tank was destroyed by a German 88-millimeter gun fired from a Nazi Panzer tank. The explosion also seriously wounded his twin brother/radio operator Duaine Lansing. Wayne was awarded a Bronze Star Medal for heroic service in combat, and also awarded France's highest decoration, the Legion of Honor.

After returning from the war, Wayne became a manager for Thrifty Drug Stores in Los Angeles. During 1952, he moved his family to Portland, where he accepted a partnership offer from his brother Glen, who had created Lansing Linoleum during 1948. Wayne remained and prospered in the family business for more than 2 decades until 1975. He was also active in school affairs and served as President of the Parents Club.

Wayne was blessed with an intense zest for life, and one of his passions was a love of flying and being a pilot. He spent countless hours in his airplane with family and friends.

Wayne remains loved and treasured by many!