Wayne Writer

Gerald Wayne Writer, known affectionately as "Wayne," was a beacon of light, touching the hearts of many with his courage, dedication, and humble spirit. Born on May 3, 1945, in Middletown, NY, Wayne's life journey took him many places, but he found his true home in Buchanan, Michigan. His life was an embodiment of the verse from Matthew 25:40, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." His life was a testament to his faith and he lived it out by showing empathy and kindness to all he met.
Wayne was passionate about family, education, and community. His love for his wife of 54 years, sons, daughter in law, and his grandsons, who were the apple of his eye, extended to his beloved dog, Ivy. Family was always his first priority. Each member of the Writer family felt his continued support of their pursuits and interests.
In 1963, he graduated from Otisville High School as senior class president and athlete. He continued his education at Orange County Community College. From there he journeyed west to carry on his learning at Western Michigan University where he earned both a BA and MA. He met his wife in a geography class there in 1966. Their first date was the result of a bet on a test. The rest was history, as it is said.
Wayne's dedication to educating and mentoring others was evident in his professional life He began his career as a teacher, coach and even a bus driver at Paw Paw Schools. After moving to Buchanan he served for 34 years in various capacities as the Buchanan Director of Community Education, Parks and Recreation, Adult Education, Career Tech Education, Alternative Education, testing, in addition to being an academic counselor. He became a Buchanan Buck fifty years ago. He ended his career as Assistant Principal at Buchanan Community Schools in 2008. His mother said she never knew quite what he did because he wore so many hats.
Wayne was a pillar of the community, serving on many boards including the McCoy Creek Trail Board and Buchanan Area Recreation Board. He was instrumental in the building of the many softball fields at McCoy Creek and the Riverfront Park. His service and dedication to community has been acknowledged by awards from the students of the final class he worked with when he retired in 2008, the Buchanan Indoor Floor Hockey program which he facilitated from 1974-2006, and one for 34 years of meritorious and exemplary service to the Buchanan Community School district. Since he worked closely with the City of Buchanan in the parks and recreations programs from 1974-2007, the Buchanan City Commission recognized him for his contribution in making Life Better in Buchanan. In 2018, Buchanan High School, inducted Wayne and Ruth into the Hall of Fame for Contributions to Buchanan Community Schools.
His hobbies were as diverse as his career, from being a die-hard NY Yankees fan, his love of foods, to his fascination with cars and trucks. He owned 59 cars throughout his lifetime, most purchased from his beloved college roommate, Jim. Wayne was a man of many talents. He played and coached basketball, baseball, soccer and he even coached one football game. Once in Buchanan he became involved in softball and basketball leagues as a player and organizer. Wayne was instrumental in the Buchanan Floor Hockey program for a third of a century. He spent so many weekends in the gymnasium at Buchanan High School with the youth that he loved, their families and friends.
He and Ruth traveled all 50 states and several trips abroad with family, friends and even students. His final vacation involved taking the entire family to New York City plus his home area of Mount Hope and Otisville, NY, five years ago. There the family learned of their Italian heritage of which he was so proud.
Wayne was a resilient and supportive man, forever remembered by his loving wife, Ruth Ann (Jenkins) Writer, his sons, Wade (Betsy) Writer and Jared Writer, his grandsons, Anthony and Nicholas, and his sisters in-laws, Mary Ellen (Jeromee) Liebenberg, Nancy Sue (Jay) Gelose, niece Jackie Toroni, and nephew Ben Liebenberg. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nuella Sinagra and William Writer. Wayne's legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone he interacted with as well as through his contributions to the Buchanan community. True to his Italian heritage, no one was a stranger to Wayne and he found time in his busy schedule for everyone.
Wayne passed away surrounded by his loving family on May 7 at the age of 79 in Niles, Michigan.
Visitation will be held at the Buchanan High School Competition Gym, 401 W. Chicago Street, Buchanan, Michigan, 49107, on Friday, 17 May 2024, from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. A service to celebrate Wayne's life will be held at the same venue on Saturday, 18 May 2024, at 2:00 pm, doors will open at 1:00 pm for visitation.
Wayne's life was an embodiment of love, strength, and dedication. As we remember Wayne, we invite you to share your memories and upload photos to his memorial page. Let's celebrate his life together and keep his spirit alive in our hearts.
Wayne's family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Corewell Health Hospital in Niles and Landmark Health to the many doctors, nurses, and staff for their dedication and compassion. The support of his entire health care team gave him the care needed throughout his seventeen years dealing with sarcoma.
In lieu of flowers the family would like donations made in memory of Wayne Writer to the Michigan Gateway Community Foundation with the memo BUCHANAN EDUCATIONAL FUND in the memo at 111 Days Ave., Buchanan, MI, 49107.