Saying Goodbye To My Friend
WAYNE D. STANFIELD
AUGUST 21, 1928 - JANUARY 26, 2013
A SAD DAY FOR US...
This is a bittersweet weekend for us. Our great neighbor and friend, Wayne D. Stanfield, passed away peacefully at his home Saturday afternoon following a battle with cancer. We are deeply saddened at his passing and for the tremendous void it creates in our lives, but know he is now where he wanted to be - with his wonderful wife, Barbara, who pre-deceased him in May of 2010, HERE.
A TRUE FRIEND FOR ALMOST FOUR DECADES
Wayne and Barbara - we say their names like it was one word because it seemed like they were never apart - have been our friends since the very first day we took occupancy of our home more than 39 years ago. We learned of Wayne's kindness and selflessness that day when he spent three hours helping us unplug our guest shower drain. That was the beginning of a wonderful friendship - one in which they welcomed us to the neighborhood, into their lives and, eventually, embraced us as members of their family.
AN HONEST, HARDWORKING MAN
Wayne operated a family plumbing business in Costa Mesa for more than a half-century. He and his son, also Wayne, did the work and Barbara helped with the paperwork. Wayne was a hardworking, honest man who lived a true Christian life. In all the years that I've called him my friend I've never known him to say an unkind or harsh word to or about anyone.
He and Barbara were married for more than 63 years, having been childhood sweethearts as they grew up in Banning, California. Their affection for each other was obvious every day that we knew them. Barbara's passing two and half years ago was deeply felt by all who knew her, but Wayne was devastated. He would carry a framed photo of her with him as he drove around town in his 1931 Model A Ford coupe and shared stories of their lives together to all who would listen.
A TRULY KIND MAN
Wayne may have been the kindest man I've ever known. He spent a lifetime helping others - friends and strangers alike. For example, for years he and Barbara and their children would gather toys and other gifts for the Hopi Indians in Arizona and would personally transport and distribute them over the Christmas holiday each year. They sought no thanks or recognition for this tremendous act of kindness - they just saw a need and filled it. If you needed advice on a project Wayne was your guy. He not only provided guidance, but would just jump in and help you do it correctly.
For more than half my life Wayne Stanfield was a friend, neighbor and mentor, selflessly sharing his life experience as a God-loving man by example. There is simply not enough space here to recount all the stories of the joy we shared with him over these years. I smile as I recall decades of dune buggy and boating adventures and the wonderful times we spent with him just hanging out or helping with projects. Age-wise, he was more like an older brother, but everyone called him "Father" - such was the esteem in which he was held by all who knew him.
SURVIVED BY LOVING FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Wayne is survived by his children, Wayne K. Stanfield (Theresa) of Santa Ana and Cathy Binnquist (Bruce) of Costa Mesa, four grand children, eight great grandchildren and hundreds of friends. A celebration of his life will be held later this week, followed by a private family service at a future date.
TOGETHER FOREVER AT LAST
Labels: Wayne Stanfield
posted by The Pot Stirrer at 1/27/2013 10:49:00 AM
10 Comments:
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your friend, Geoff. He sounds like a wonderful person. Condolences.
What a beautiful summation of a special man's life. All of us in the neighborhood were touched by Wayne's joyful Christian exuberance. I too remember taking our sons up to see their RV packed with the stuffed animals they'd collected as Christmas gifts for the children on the Indian reservation. I know what a mutually devoted friendship you enjoyed with Barbara and Wayne, Geoff, and I love the snapshot of you and Susie with them on one of your outdoor adventures together. I am sorry for your loss and for the void his death creates in our close little community. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I am sorry to hear of Wayne's passing, Geoff.
He sounds like a great guy who anyone would be honored to know.
No doubt there is a special place in heaven for
Wayne and Barbara.
My condolences on the loss of your good friend.
Geoff, I am sorry for your loss, he sounds as if he was a super guy who lived a good and useful life.
Hi Geoff,
Sorry for your loss. My dear friend Ann Spiller died suddenly last month. We were friends from junior high school (Arizona). It's sad when we lose our friends. Know you have good memories of Wayne and Barbara. That helps.
I have a regular need for plumbing service in my home in CM and would like to give the business to the son of this good man. Do you know the name of the plumbing company that the son runs?
Thanks. The son also retired from the plumbing business, but Wayne's son-in-law, who worked with them for many years and had done work for us, is still in the business. Synergy Plumbing, 949-337-8100.
One of the greats. I hope they include him in Costa Mesa's anniversary celebration.
You'll miss him, no doubt. I hope you can find comfort in knowing he's with the love of his life.
Geoff, my condolences to you and Wayne's family and friends. we lost a good one. i hate the "c" word, its take far too many, including my father and best friend. i remember see Wayne driving around town in his model A. was he involved with Danny Davey, who also took gifts to the Navajo and Hopi?
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