Wayne Harry Flack Jr.

Wayne Flack, obituary as told by his son, Larry.

Wayne Harry Flack Jr. April 11, 1933 - March 17, 2025

It is my honor to share with you and reflect upon the life of my father, Wayne. He was not only my father, but a loyal husband, father-in-law, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. He was affectionately called Papa by his grandchildren, a man defined by commitment, kindness, patience, humor, and quiet wisdom. He lived 91 wonderful years.

Dad was born in Gooding, Idaho in 1933 to Erma and Wayne Harry Flack Senior. He was the youngest of three children. His sisters, Pat and Parma, doted over him. His mother was a stay-at-home mom, and his father was the sheriff of Gooding, Idaho. His family moved to San Bruno, California when Dad was in the second grade. They moved during WW2 so his father could work at a defense plant. So, from an early age until the end of his life, Dad lived in California.

In 1951 Dad graduated from Mills High School in San Mateo, in his senior yearbook he stated that he wanted to be “A Cattleman”. As a young adult, he had a close group of friends that loved spending time together outdoors, hunting and fishing. Well, Dad didn’t get his wish to become a cattleman, I imagine if he did, a lot of things could’ve turned out differently and Mom would probably be wearing cowboy boots right now.

Dad’s best friend was Ed. Ed's father worked at the Fuller O’Brien paint company and got both Ed and Dad jobs there. Dad worked there briefly until 1953, when during the Korean war, he was drafted into the army. He was stationed at Fort Lewis, in Washington, and it was while there that he met mom at a drive-in restaurant. He saw her, asked her friend for Sharon ‘s phone number, and called her the next day to ask her out… well, the rest is history. They were married in 1954 and after finishing his service at Fort Lewis, they returned to California. Dad went back to work at Fuller O’Brien, where he stayed loyally until retiring at the age of 63.

Dad was quietly thoughtful, gentle, and humorous. The kind of person whose silence often spoke louder than words. We remember fondly those dinner table moments when after listening patiently to the conversation swirling around him, he’d chime in with a sharp witty remark, perfectly timed, causing us all to laugh. It wasn’t how much he said, it was how valuable, amusing and wise his words were.

Dad's love, kindness and generosity were evident by what he chose to do. He helped my sisters, Lucy and Carrie with significant remodels of their homes. I also remember when Dad planned a surprise 60th birthday party for Mom, A special dinner where he gave her a diamond necklace. This was my father, showing love and kindness in practical ways. Dad was a devoted husband. Our family went out to lunch recently, when the waitress heard how long mom and dad had been married, she asked dad what the secret was to their marriage. Dad ‘s reply was “there is no secret”, I liked his answer, it’s not a secret, to choose to live a life as a devoted husband, caring for your wife. Dad was devoted to his family. All his vacation time from work was shared with us. Mom and Dad planned great trips, each summer with our family, camping, fishing and hiking. My most memorable trip was when we were older with children of our own, all going to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons together.

Dad expressed his faith in God after he accepted Jesus as his Savior in December, 1999. He served alongside Mom tirelessly always looking out for others before himself, a verse that captures this legacy best is Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility, consider others better than yourselves. Each of you is to look out, not only for your own interest, but for the interest of others.

We celebrate Wayne, a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend, whose footprints of faithfulness will be deeply missed, yet joyfully remembered. His legacy calls each of us to strive to do everything the best we can, completing each endeavor wholeheartedly.

It is with deep gratitude, knowing that Dad is now held peacefully in the loving arms of Jesus.

Well, done, good and faithful servant,
Your journey steadfast and complete,
In humble love, you’ve taught us all,
A life of faith profound and sweet.
Your quiet strength will guide us still,
Though absent, your spirit lives near,
Thank you, dear Dad, for each gentle lesson,
Forever treasured, forever held dear.

We miss and love you, Dad.

To view our mom's obituary, please go to the following link: https://legacy.com/legacy/sharon-flack