Condolences
There is an "Adults Only" pool at our club and in all the time we've belonged I've never used it. I half-jokingly tell folks I don't qualify.
As old as I get, I still, at times, get this childlike feeling of uncertainty and need the reassurances of an "adult." My dad passed away last year and though I'm a grown man; I got this sick feeling. "Dads gone, who's going to provide me the direction I'm sure to need."
When I heard Wayne passed I got that same sick feeling. Wayne was who I turned to at work for that adult guidance and reassurance. Generous with his time and pure of soul; I trusted him without hesitation and knew he would always be there for me...until he couldn't.
I feel a little lost right now as do all that knew and loved Wayne; however I am forever grateful for the privilege of having known him and for being allowed "inside." I and all the others that Wayne touched will carry a piece of him in us for the rest of our lives - that is his legacy.
Even though it was hard to say goodbye to Wayne it was made easier by sharing memories with friends and family. His family was able share his career side and we were able to share his family side. The pastor said we should try to find thanks. I am thankful for having Wayne as my friend, all that he taught me and all the laughs we had. He will continue to live in our hearts and our memories. We will miss him....
I am truly blessed to have known Wayne for the past 27 years not only as a great coworker but a close friend. To his children and their families I send my deepest sympathy for your loss. He never gave me special nickname, I was just Dude or Dave and to me he was Wayne, Dude or Mr T. The one name we did not use, only because it was well understood by us was "Dear Friend" I will miss him at work, his help, support and humor that could always ease the stress of the day as well as the many lunches. Mostly I will miss that knock on my door at home, or the simple call in the evening saying, "feel like Pizza tonight?'
Some times just sitting on my deck or checking out my car in the garage and talking about driving to the first cruise night at the Windsor Diner next spring. Our friendship is something I will cherish forever, his memory and spirit will live on and on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him. I am a better person for having called him friend.
I have known and worked with Wayne since early 1982 when I joined Breeze-Eastern and he was the director of engineering. Darrell Moss' mention of nicknames reminds me of one that Wayne had given to me. In 2007 I was assigned as project engineer for a hoist that had 90 meters of load cable. From that point on I was referred to as "90 meter man". Wayne was a valued business associate and truly good friend to me. His vast knowledge of our product and engineering expertise was highly respected by all. Wayne - you may be gone but you will never be forgotten. Lew
We can not express with words how much sorrow we feel. You were the sweetest, most caring, thoughtful, selfless, patient and intelligent man we knew. You touched everyone's heart with love and kindness. You left our lives with a void that can never be filled. You are irreplaceable. We remember the times you came to visit us bringing small gifts like iTunes or Dunkin Donuts gift cards, Shakira CD's and Apple stuff. Coming to ride with us to family get-togethers, we were always running late and you would say in a calm way: "just relax, take your time". You will always be in our thoughts and in our hearts. We love you and miss you Dad.
Infinitely eternally Wayne you know what I mean
I was pleased to know Wayne since 1979 when he joined Breeze. We often had lunch at the Raven's Nest on Rt 22. It caused me to gain weight but Wayne stayed as slim as ever. Wayne was a suburb engineer and a friend.
Bob Felber (Breeze 1964-1983)
Wayne and I worked together at Breeze for over 15 years, and he was my supervisor for many of those. He would make it feel like he wasn’t my “boss,” that we were just working together trying to get things done. I’ll always remember he would come up with nicknames for people, in my case it would depend on whatever project I was working on at the time. For the last couple of years I’d been working on a job for the Predator aircraft, so he’d see me walking by and say something like “Here comes the Predator.” Not sure if that’s a good thing to be called in this day and age – but that was just Wayne.
He will surely be missed. My condolences to his family.
Reading such beautiful sentiments about my Uncle Wayne brings a smile to my face...My thoughts are with my Aunt Dottie, Lisa, Tracey, Robert and their families...Our family get togethers were like comedy skits...Most memorable day... Mothers Day at my Parents house in Cliffwood Beach "The Rock Heist at the Beach" and "Virginia" you know what I mean Tracey.... I will miss him bumping shoulders with me and whispering a dry joke into my hear with that devilish grin he had....I love him for all the love and support he gave my Mom through her recent losses...but most of all for being such a loving brother to my Dad...
Wayne was very nice & kind individual.You will be missed very much. My heart goes out to his family & friends.
God blessed you all... your friend & co-worker.
Wayne was the guy you just went to for everything, help on a problem or just a much needed laugh. I will always smile when I think of him and his amazing attitude on approaching problems. Always in my heart.
While I had only known Wayne for a year, I am glad I had the opportunity to work with him. His calm nature helped me to put many stressful situations into perspective. I remember one morning that I was upset about a situation at work. I needed his assistance with something that I didn’t want to deal with. He calmly finished his breakfast and informed that I shouldn’t get worked up over this. He proceeded to help me solve my problem, and went off to fix something else.
I remember getting hooked on orange and mint Pepperidge Farms Milano cookies thanks to Wayne. He would always cheer me up with the "kitty" app on his i-phone. It would repeat what you said and purr when you petted it, or say "ooww" if you touched its foot. It always put a smile on my face, and Wayne started saying, "Hello kitty" whenever he passed me. That was until my namesake Hurricane Irene hit, after that it was "Hello Hurricane". He was a great guy with a great sense of humor and will be greatly missed.
I remember Wayne almost every day at Breeze saying to me Johnny
“You every goin finish that Electronic shit on this job” with a big grin. My reply usually was “Wayne you know that never stop changing this crap”
Wayne was a walking encyclopedia on the jobs/units at Breeze & would always, take the time to answer any questions, he’s say “come out to the shop & I’ll show you how it works”.
He’ll truly be missed for that and his sense of humor.
I worked with Wayne for 6 years. He was always very helpful and dedicated in all of his efforts. He was highly respected not only for his technical expertise but more importantly his character and integrity. Wayne will be missed by all.
When I was at Breeze, I took a liking to Wayne right away. He respected us Designers and took the time to explain in great detail the technical aspects of the vast product line. He had a great sense of humor and always seemed to be in a good mood. I remember he used to say to us when we were outside on break, “It’s a beautiful day, what are we doing here?”
I knew Wayne for 20 years here at Breeze, and was lucky to know him. We had many discussions on every subject, and he always wanted to know more about everything. He had warm words for everyone, and never a disparaging word for anyone. A classy gentleman who will be greatly missed by all.
Please, remember my dad's life, not his death.
Funeral Planning
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325 Hardwick Street
Belvidere, New Jersey 07823
Phone: 908-475-2210
Thomas J. Balka, Manager, N.J. Lic No. 3588