Wayne Elvin Heffner

Born on May 2, 1919 in Hominy, Oklahoma, and only 27 days from his 100th birthday, Wayne Elvin Heffner passed from this life to the next on April 4, 2019. Dad had an inquisitive mind. He liked to know how things worked. His early years were spent doing what many young lads did during the Great Depression: annoying his younger brother in as many ways as he could which included shocking him with static electricity, placing a purloined penny on a railroad track to see it flattened as the large engines rolled over it, learning to play odd tunes with a piece of paper folded over a comb, and roaming the areas near his home in search of adventure. With an avid interest in nearly everything -- particularly blowing up objects like catsup bottles and creating electric charges -- he did well academically and went on to college. There he met a life long friend, John Flickinger. The two of them enrolled in the army as WWII began. Dad was sent to England and then France. While in England, he met his future wife, Audrey (Mollie), who worked in General Eisenhower’s office. After they became engaged, he was sent to Paris. Dad worked in intelligence during that time and was reluctant to share much of what he had done during the war years. He always said the real soldiers were the ones in the trenches and that his time had been largely spent in an office.

However, his commanding officer clearly thought highly of his efforts and sought advancement for him. Dad was made a Major. As a special honor for his courageous service during the war years, England awarded him a medal naming him Honorary Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.

When the war ended, Dad returned to Oklahoma bringing his wife and their first child, Carolyn. He resumed his studies and a short while later went on for doctoral work at Washington State University. He reconnected with his old friend, John Flickinger, who now was also married. The two families shared Thanksgiving and other special occasions until Mollie died in 1996.

Dad was offered a job in the Wapato School District before he had completed the requirements for his doctoral degree. Once there, he’d found his niche. He soon became principal of the Wapato Junior High and served in that capacity for the next 25 years. Most of Dad’s friends and colleagues remember him as “Mr. Heffner,” the principal, but his world in education was less than 1/3 of his life. There were many other facets to Dad as well.

Few people know, he was an accomplished carpenter. In 1950, they bought a small home and Rosalyn was born. Feeling the need for more room, Dad added on another small bedroom. A year later, Melanie was born. They tucked another bed in that same bedroom where the pair grew up as tightly packed as sardines. A couple of years later, Dad’s namesake, Wayne Jr. was born. Dad’s carpentry skills flourished and he added on a garage with a family room/bedroom attached to it. That family room housed twenty-five aquariums where he bred a wide variety of tropical fish.

Dad’s career with the Wapato School District ended full of warm memories and then he and Mum had time to travel. They returned to England several times and then they did the Continent. Eventually, they went to China, a dream for both of them.

Still full of energy and creativity, Dad began to spin yarn. Then he went on to buy a large loom and weave intricately patterned material. Many of his friends and family were soon gifted with placemats and lengths of gorgeous yardage. No sheep was safe as he eyed its fleece. One alpaca also had a chilly winter.

Dad was a member of the Wapato Community Presbyterian Church. He was there from the day the doors opened in the mid-fifties until the day they closed the same doors as the congregation folded. Dad had a deep faith and was generous with his support.

Shortly after Mollie died, John, dad’s dear friend, also passed. That left Dad and Robbe with years and years of history together. While they didn’t marry, they were very dear to each other and stayed close until Robbe also passed two years ago. Dad considered John and Robbe’s children, Matthew and Cindy, his family as well.

Nearly five years ago, leaving the same home he had remodeled, he moved to Orchard Park. There he enjoyed a new life style until last summer when his memory began deteriorating.

Dad leaves a terrific hole in our lives. Because he’s managed to survive to nearly 100, nearly all of his friends and colleagues have gone ahead of him. We know/ they’ll welcome him home.

Dad is survived by his four children, Carolyn Mason (Gary), Rosalyn Strang (John), Melanie Eakin (Ken), and Wayne Junior (Collette). Dad’s brother, Donald, and his wife, Janiece, and their son, Glen Wayne Heffner still live in Tulsa and stay in touch with us. Grandchildren include Wendy Mason of Moses Lake, Ian Strang (Erin) of Bellingham, Chelsea Heffner (deceased), Wayne Heffner III (Carissa) of Tumwater, Graham Gilmore, Vaughan Gilmore and their father, Michael Gilmore, all of Yakima and two great-grandchildren: Forrest Mason of Moses Lake and Oliver Strang of Bellingham.

A private family service will be held for his honor.