Wayne was born May 4, 1936, in Deseret, Utah, to Francis Marion and Myrtle Western, the youngest of 5 children. He learned to be a hard worker from a young age on the farm, a trait that defined him throughout his life. A proud Delta Rabbit, he was on the high school debate and wrestling teams and played trumpet in the marching band. Wayne served an LDS mission to the New England Novia Scotia Mission. He then attended Brigham Young University and Utah State and earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry. He joked that he played for both the Aggies and the Cougars (in the marching band). He married Kathleen Ricks on May 16, 1959, and together had four children, Ellen (Vaughn Camp), Marc (Melissa), Amy Meador, and James (Tammy). He earned his Juris Doctorate with honors from George Washington University with a specialty in patent law. After a successful career at Shell Oil in the California Bay area, the family moved to Cottonwood Heights, UT where Wayne was a founding partner in Thorpe, North and Western, and quickly established the firm as one of the foremost intellectual property firms in the area. After Kathy’s passing, Wayne married Delores Biggs on January 19, 1985. Wayne was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He valued his service in many capacities, from home teacher to member of the bishopric and singing in the ward choir. He leaves a legacy of love, faith, and gentle kindness.
Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, siblings: Evelyn, Grant, Melba and Harold, and first wife Kathy. He is survived by his children, his wife, Delores, and sons Quinn Biggs (Lisa) and Joe Biggs (Rebecca), 20 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at the Granite Ridge Ward, 9575 South 3100 East, Sandy, UT. A viewing will be held from 9:30 – 10:30 am prior to the services. If you would like to watch the recorded services, please click on the blue “Watch Services” button above.
The family would like to thank all the friends and caregivers from Visiting Angel's and Aspire Hospice.
To my dearest friend Delores,
I was so sorry to hear of Wayne's passing, I know how much you loved him and of all the kind things he did for you that made you happy. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I am so grateful for the friendship we have shared for so many years.
Love you, Sondra ♥️
May uncle Wayne rest in peace. With all my love sending condolences.
Delores, Joe and Quinn,
We are sorry to hear of Wayne's passing. He was much admired as a gentle friend. Please accept our sympathy, and good wishes for you.
Colleen and Dave Newman