Wayne E. McKenzie

Wayne Ellis McKenzie January 31st 1947 - September 7th 2012 PERFECT, MAYBE BETTER Wayne departed to the great community club in the sky on Friday by way of an accident resulting from a "failed" alien abduction. He will be missed by a greater population than the towns that he lived in. Wayne was born in Cashmere, WA to Sterling and Mary McKenzie, barely avoiding Irish twin status with his older brother, Ron. The McKenzie's were blessed with three more well-behaved children; Barb, Patti and Ken. They also had several 'adopted' children who were either Wayne's cohorts, or victims of his pranks. Despite Wayne's colorful record he graduated from Cashmere High School in 1965 and the bond that he shares with that class will live on in stories of mischievous adventures handed down from parents to children for generations. Wayne paid for his college education by working for the Forest Service summers and Stan Barnett's Capital Ave Wrecking Yard, Ellensburg . After attending Wenatchee Jr College and graduating from Central with a teaching degree in 1969, the U.S. Navy experienced Wayne from 1969 to 1971. It was never the same. Lifelong bonds were created during those years of travel and shenanigans. In 1972, Wayne began his teaching and coaching career in Cashmere. Coach Bill Elliot mentored Wayne that year and sparked Wayne's lifelong passion for coaching wrestling. A former wrestler himself, Wayne treasured a 1961 wrestling certificate verifying his first place win. (The one and only time he beat Larry James) Wayne began his 30 year teaching and coaching career in 1973 at Quincy Jr High School. He also coached volleyball, track and developed a national award-winning water safety program. For several years following the Mt. St. Helens eruption, Wayne lead his kids on a field trip so they could experience firsthand the power of nature. His love for the kids inspired him to participate in these programs. He volunteered numerous hours long after retirement to continue supporting the wrestling team and water safety program. He left his mark on Quincy Jr High in many ways : the motorcycle tracks left on the hallway floors after riding his Harley into the school on his last day of teaching is only one example ! The Quincy community won't forget this teacher/coach anytime soon. Wayne married Dawn Cammack, of the Entiat Cammacks, in the spring of 1974. They enjoyed a few years before Wayne sprung orchard living on her, buying his uncle's property in Sunnyslope. There they raised stone fruit and three of the most amazing children known to man. To say that Wayne was a devoted father, uncle and 'adopted' father would be a gross understatement. His methods were often questionable, but his intentions were nothing short of heartfelt. Being a teacher, orchardist and father might be enough for some people, but not this guy. Wayne participated in The Great Canoe race for years in Soap Lake in honor of his friend, John Axtell. Volunteering on the Wenatchee River during Ridge to River races was a thrill for Wayne. Every fall Wayne could be found in the mountains either hunting or enjoying the Orginal Buckhorn Camp (the elk camp Wayne, friends,and elk enjoyed for decades) Once retired Wayne used his extra time to wear out his kindle and enjoy fishing and road trips. Wayne loved to travel, both abroad, and by road exploring historical and geological interests. Most recent international trip was to Singapore and Thailand with sister Patti to visit her son Ryan. A proud Harley owner, he just completed a trip through the mountains of Montana and Idaho. Wayne loved many things about Washington State from the geology and history to the communities. In the 1970's Wayne helped found the JC's in Cashmere and was heavily involved in their fund raising events. The graduating JC's went on to revive the Mission Creek Community Club, continuing to serve the community. Wayne was a member of the Cashmere Gun Club. He fostered his love of this activity by teaching Hunters Education to the Cashmere community and to all of his children, nieces and nephews. Not to be forgotten, he was a member of the famed Cashmere BOOM Cashmere BOOM club,who with his "partner in crime", Roger Perleberg, were "Boom masters" lighting off loud explosions of joy with each touchdown scored by the home-field Bulldogs and at the Wenatchee Apple Blossom Parade, signalling the beginning of the annual spring event. Despite all of Wayne's accomplishments and achievements, he still had quite the bucket list. Alongside his brother, Ken, Wayne was going on a Harley trip throughout Washington that was planned for next week. Wayne and his extended family were planning a trip to Scotland next year. He was proud of his heritage and was excited to explore the lands of his ancestors and to purchase another kilt. Most of all Wayne would be disappointed that he never got a chance to use his Honorary Lifetime Pass to all NCWAA District 6 Events that he was recently rewarded in recognition of all his services to athletics. That, and not getting to see his adorable blue eyed grand-kids grow up. Wayne was preceeded in death by his mother, Mary and son, Kristopher Bauer. Wayne is survived by his wife, Dawn and his children Dru and his lovely wife Loni, Megan and her handsome companion Jeff, Cameron and his lady-friend Lisa, his grandchildren Maya and Jasper, his father Sterling McKenzie of Cashmere, his siblings Ron (Pat) McKenzie of Seattle, Barb Agnew of Cashmere, Patti Douglass of Texas, and Ken (Jennifer) McKenzie of New Castle, and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations to Quincy Youth Wrestling c/o Clifton Larson Allen Accountant PO Box 277 Quincy WA 98848 or Mission Creek Community Club Scholarship Fund PO Box 631 Cashmere, WA 98815 Join us in a celebration of Wayne's life and antics Saturday September 15th . Bring food to share (disposable dishes) optional Stories mandatory ! Portable chairs welcome Location Cashmere Sportsman's Association Gun Club 6550 Turkey Shoot Road Cashmere WA Time Open House from 2 PM to 6 PM Families are welcomed!

Wayne E. McKenzie

January 31, 1947 - September 7, 2012