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Wayne Howard Obituary

Wayne N. Howard

With the tragic passing of Wayne N. Howard on November 11, we lost an incredible and irreplaceable man--loving husband of Lucia for 36 yrs, proud father of Dax and Nico, beloved brother of Vicki Pattillo and doting uncle of 11. He was predeceased by his parents, Jim and Marjean, his brother Gene & nephew "Little" Wayne. He leaves a legacy love, loyalty and generosity to his family, friends and community. Wayne died as he had lived, unexpectedly, unconventionally and giving 110%. Private funeral, Celebration of Life TBD. Post Wayne stories, videos, photos to Facebook "Friends of Wayne Howard". In lieu of flowers donations to Howard & Trauscht Scholarship @ U of A Law: givetoarizonalaw.org

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic from Nov. 15 to Nov. 18, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
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david cavazos

July 14, 2024

thank you Wayne for all your kindness and generosity. i remember our 3 hour walk in crystal cove in 2015 and think often about your outlook in life and especially admired how much you loved and admired your family and close friends. RIP Wayne. you are missed. david cavazos.

Lydia Jane (Worrell) Cypher

January 4, 2022

Wayne gave me my very first job in the law when he was a partner in the small firm, Welliever, Smith & Howard in the Luhrs Arcade in downtown Phoenix, in the mid 1970s. His assistant, Trudy Hoagland, interviewed me first, then sent me in to meet Wayne, who proceeded to tell me that they were in the business of making money and my job would be to facilitate that in whatever way was needed. I started out as the receptionist and junior secretary to Wayne's friend and fellow attorney, Louis De Roon, III, whose job it was to assist union members with legal questions of all kinds and work the many different kinds of cases that came in the door from the union members. Wayne's dad had been a union man and together, they came up with the idea of offering union members 15 minutes of free legal advice, knowing that would bring in all kinds of bread & butter cases from traffic tickets and divorces all the way to serious criminal matters and, most importantly to Wayne, personal injury cases. I learned to make the coffee, greet the clients and prepare legal documents for filing in the courts. Between Trudy and Louis, I got my feet wet and acquired a great deal of practical experience that gave me my start in the law. Eventually, I left the firm with Louis DeRoon when he started a partnership with another attorney and, over the years, between having three kids and coming and going in the law, legal assisting became my profession. I don't know if I would have had my legal career had I not answered Wayne's ad for a receptionist many long years ago. Now, Louis De Roon, III has also passed on to the unseen world, as have the other original partners from Wayne's original firm in the old Luhrs Arcade. The world has changed so much and we have gotten old! We didn't even have computers in those days. Now, our colleagues from those early days are nearly all gone, including Wayne. I was happy to learn that he finally met the right woman, married, and had two beloved sons. I'm sure they miss their dad terribly, but his memory will always be a blessing to them ~ and I will always treasure the invaluable learning experience I had working with Wayne and Louis and Trudy in the Luhrs Arcade.

Don and Margaret Dyekman

November 30, 2020

So so sorry to hear of Wayne's passing - he lived life to its fullest and was taken too soon. Our sincerest sympathies to Lucia and their sons and family.

Jack Walker

November 23, 2020

When Wayne called his opening words always included "buddy".
We were partners for 35 years in multiple deals and all successful in part because of his sage advice. He was always there for a friend but also a stranger. Wayne was unique. A light in my life has been darkened but my memory of him will never fade. Lucia, Dax and Nico-this was not supposed to happen. Life is unfair but your love will sustain you and in the Jewish tradition I would say "may this be the last of your sorrows for years to come and may you have a long life".

Juanita Francis

November 22, 2020

Wayne was a man generous with his time and resources. I enjoyed serving with him on the county hospital foundation board....and seeing him hiking with friends in the neighborhood. He leaves a big void in our community and in our hearts.

Arielle Abed

November 21, 2020

Wayne was a very special man and an asset to this community. My heart breaks for his family: Lucia, Dax, and Nico. Wishing you my deepest condolences and here if you need anything.

Wanda Bradshaw

November 21, 2020

Wayne was a great man. He did everything right from eating healthy to exercising. He had a great spirit and outlook on life. He was an inspiration to me and my family. My grandson Jack would light up everytime Wayne would be around the Bistro. Wayne always made time to say hi to us. A great man will be missed. R.I.P. Wayne.

Jennifer

November 21, 2020

Wayne was a great man. My son and him were good friends. I'm sad that he is gone. Wished we could have seen him more. R.I.P Wayne

Heather McEachern

November 20, 2020

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Arielle Abed

November 19, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Wayne was a wonderful man and an asset to this community. I’m saddened by his passing and wish to extend love to Lucia, Dax, and Nico.

Richard T. Treon

November 19, 2020

I was devastated to learn of Wayne’s death. I always (naively) thought he was indestructible. Mr. Fitness. He followed all the rules for a healthy and happy life, yet fate took him from us!

Wayne was a dear friend of mine for as long as I can remember. We were both Plaintiff’s lawyers and born-again Democrats (often a lonely place in Arizona) but we wanted to find a way to save the world nonetheless.

Wayne did it one person at a time. He was one of the most caring, giving people I ever knew. Having known adversity but nonetheless risen to the heights of the legal profession and the business world he never forgot his roots or who he was. I used to call him “St. Wayne.” He was always there with a helping had whenever I brought him someone in need. His goodness and decency humbled me. I can’t believe he is gone.

There is so much more good for the Universe that he could have (and would have) accomplished. Thank God we are blessed to have Lucia and Nico and Dax carrying on his legacy by selflessly doing good for others.

Enjoy the Angels my friend, because you are truly finally home among your equals.

I am honored and privileged to call you my friend,

Dick Treon

Steven leroy Collins

November 18, 2020

I knew Wayne through Elementary, High School, College and beyond.

Laurie Brooks

November 17, 2020

Paul and I remember Wayne with fondness. Lucia, you and Wayne have been such a dynamic couple. We remember generosity and kindness and that great sense of humor. Anyone who has known Wayne has truly been lucky.

Don Moon

November 17, 2020

Wonderful Wayne was a lovable rascal I was lucky to know for nearly 40 years. I never met anyone who even remotely reminded me of Wayne--he was a true original who will be sorely missed by all those whose lives he touched.

Susan Foster and Pat Keller

November 17, 2020

Lucia and her family please accept our sincerest sympathy.

Ronald Castro

November 17, 2020

I have known Wayne since my Freshman year in high school, 1962. careers, location, and time have separated us. but I can say without reservation, "the world is in a better place because of Wayne Howard's presence. God love you Wayne.

Ray Bladine

November 17, 2020

As his friends know, Wayne was full of energy and had a positive approach to everything he did. I always enjoyed interacting with Wayne. I am shocked by his passing. Far too early. My sincere sympathy to Lucia and the rest of the family.

Susan Rankin

November 16, 2020

I remember him introducing himself numerous times by saying " I'm wonderful Wayne, here to please not to tease, satisfaction guaranteed! I wish I could hear this just one more time. We were friends over 50 years. I miss him.

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