On the afternoon of May 12, Wayne left us to ride his Harley forever. Born to Darlene and Lee on August 1, 1951, in Spokane, Washington, Wayne William Lessig loved his wife Twyla, his daughter Krystal, the home on the forks of Muddy Creek, and the open road, preferably astride his beloved Harley.
Wayne grew up in and around Spokane with his two lifelong buddies Barry Homes and cousin Terry (Smoke) Lessig, spending summers at the cabin on Loon Lake and tearing around the hills on dirt bikes. Smoke recalls that it was just about as great a childhood as you could imagine for young teenage boys, with a motor boat, water skis, and as much gas as they could burn.
Wayne graduated from Mead High School’s class of 1969 and immediately the three amigos set off on two dirt bikes headed to California. A photo album records the trip and adventures along the way. Wayne then enlisted in the United States Coast Guard, a service he was proud of, with an honorable discharge in 1975 after five years. Wayne married Shonna Stearns, adopting Shonna’s son James and later having Krystal, Wayne’s pride and joy. Wayne and Shonna travelled throughout Washington for work; Wayne always knew that supporting a family meant working and he was never without a job. He worked for Safeway, Alcoa Aluminum, Windoors, a short stint as a farmer with Smoke, and also learned the roofing trade, which he was always able to fall back on. From Kalispell, Montana, Wayne heard about work in the coal mines and power plant construction at Colstrip. That was to be his lifework for the next 33 years, retiring as a lead blaster at the Rosebud Mine in July of 2010. A photo Twyla took as he headed off to his last shift captures his joyful grin at the prospect of retirement.
Twyla and Wayne met at the Rosebud mine in early 1991 and a love was sparked that lasted for almost 30 years. They were formally married at the homeplace on Muddy Creek on October 30, 2009. Twyla became his travelling partner to adventures to Sturgis, Priest Lake, and the West Coast getting close to whales, as well as many other trips – Wayne even talking Twyla into buying her own Harley. Wayne never lost his wanderlust for travel and him, Barry and Smoke took many road trips throughout the years. Wayne dearly loved golf and he and Barry travelled during the summer to golf courses throughout the west and southwest. Wayne and Twyla loved to play pool and enjoyed their friendship with the men and women of pool league.
Wayne is survived by his father, Lee, in Spokane, son James, daughter, Krystal (Chad), Brittany and Abby (Granddaughters) in Park City and his wife, Twyla and step-daughter Ryhal at their home on Muddy Creek. He was preceded in death by his son, Daniel, his mother, Darlene, and brother, Gary. Twyla knew Wayne treasured his lifelong brotherhood with Barry and Smoke as well as his local buddies Dick Hayes, Brian Rath, Charlie Palmer, Greg Hein, Elliot Fjell, and Ty Morin. Apologies to friends not mentioned.
Wayne survived cancer five years ago and health was important to him, continuing a lifelong habit of jogging. Friends were always important, and Wayne cared truly about those friendships. Kind and generous to all, he knew how lucky he was to find Twyla and to live in such a beautiful place. We know he was aware of the pain and sorrow his passing would bring, but although he beat cancer, depression was a foe that overcame him. He was very concerned about Covid-19 and not being able to “hit the road” to clear his mind or even to visit his father weighed on him. We wish him peace as he rides on.
Visitation will be held on Saturday May 16th from 1 to 6 pm at Stevenson and Son’s Funeral Home in Forsyth. Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Saturday May 16, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Ln
Forsyth, MT 59327
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Saturday May 16, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Ln
Forsyth, MT 59327
Share
Ronette Hiwalker says
Cousin Twyla:
I am so sorry for your loss.
He was a fun guy & will be missed.
Prayers for strength 🙏🏻
Love you Cousin. ❤️
Duane and Sue Allred says
Twyla, we are sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing, he always had time to visit whenever we saw him. I worked with him for many years at the mine and got to know him there. He was a true friend. May he Rest In Peace!
Shelly Holum says
Prayers to all of Wayne’s family
Marilyn Mader says
Twyla, Rhyal and families, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. May God draw you close and grant comfort during this time of struggle.
allen skimming says
this is too bad his brother gary was my best friend for years and both the boys and I played music together as kids and later with his father lee I am so sorry
Marsha Small says
Twyla,
My heart to you, yours, and your communities.
Marsh
Art and Rita McDonald says
Twila and family we send our condolences to all of you. Wayne was the kind of neighbor that if you needed something he would be there to help. He will be missed.
Joi Garza says
Twyla, prayers and strength are wished upon you during this difficult time.
We are so sorry for your loss.
With love, Joi & Jodi
Pamela Ash says
Joe and I send our condolences. Wayne was important to many.
Joe and Pam Ash
Russ and Brenda Dotson says
Twyla and family we are so sorry for your loss. Always a pleasure to see Wayne and that beautiful smile A gentle soul. May your memories bring you all comfort. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May he Rest In Peace.
Andrita Harris says
Twyla, and Krystal, Lee and Family
My deepest Sympathy and condolences to all of you. Prayers. Wayne will always will be a great friend of mind and neighbor. Seeing him walking with his dog or riding his bike. enjoyed chatting with him. RIP my friend, ride your Harley where the grass is green.
Lyle Harris says
Sister, Twyla. Sorry for your loss. Wayne was a good man. Will miss shooting pool with him. Krystal, my Condolences to you and your little Family. I want to go to Forsyth to see you and Muddy Creek Family today but have to work. Never forgot about you and your friendship with the Cowboys and Cowgirls from CHS days. May God Bless You and your Family. Until we meet again. Muddy Creek Broncos.
Theda says
Soo sorry for the loss of your lifelong partner, such a shock, I will always remember him with his smile and kindness, you have some wonderful memories of him forever in your heart , GOD BLESS YOU
Shirl Robinson says
So sorry for your loss. May God bless you with strength and peace.
Dick Wells says
Twyla and family, so sorry to hear about Wayne. He was a good friend and I sure enjoyed working with him at the mine. He will be missed.
Barbara Bement says
Prayers for comfort Twyla.. so sorry for your loss
Charlie Palmer says
Wayne was a great working partner and friend. A super great pool player, we sure had some good times. I will miss him!
Kevin Bixby says
Kevin Bixby
Shonna Stearns says
Krystal & Family,
Krystal, your Dad and I both agreed you have the strongest & truest heart; Wayne was fortunate to have such a wonderful daughter. Brittany & Abby, your Grandpa Wayne enjoyed attending your sporting events – he got such a kick out of you both! He so admired the lovely young ladies you have become. Chad, you are a great son-in- law & were an even better friend to Wayne. My condolences to you Twyla & all the extended family. Watne will be missed by many.
Merrilee RedRobe says
Twyla and Ryhal, my deepest condolences to you and your family. My prayers are with you.
Marilyn Watson says
Twyla, So sorry. My heart hurts for you and Wayne’s family/ You are in my prayers.