Wayne Alexander PAUPST

1934 - 2024

Wayne Alexander Paupst passed away at the age of 89 on March 7, 2024, with loved ones by his side. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Wayne was born October 5, 1934, in Regina, SK, to Montrose Percival Paupst and Susan Ione Ryan Paupst. He attended Kitchener School in Regina and then moved to Spokane, WA. He graduated from Rogers High School in 1953. He attended Whitworth College and went on to San Jose State University majoring in economics, and business, was a member of the Theta Xi fraternity earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business. Later he worked as a switchman for the Great Northern Railroad and attended college at Eastern Washington University earning a teaching certificate. He taught school in San Francisco, CA, Sprague, WA, Milwaukie, OR, and Colfax, WA. He met his wife, Mary Stevens at the famed Spokane Pine Shed bar. They were married in December 1967 and had three children together. Throughout his life, he had many business ventures. In 1970 he started a school for medical and dental technicians, owned and operated with his wife a dental clinic, owned rental properties and a small motel, and eventually built and operated an 81-unit hotel in downtown Spokane which his family still owns and operates. Wayne had a passion for helping others. He was a mentor for the SCORE organization that helped advise individuals on business practices and served on various boards and committees surrounding the hotel community. He was also a member of the St. Stephens Episcopal Church and sat on the vestry board. Wayne loved to play hockey and played for the Spokane Jr. Flyers and Washington Warriors. He coached kids hockey, had many friends in the hockey community, and helped keep stats for the Spokane Chiefs. He also took an interest in aviation and earned his pilot's license in 1969. Many family trips would involve flying his family somewhere in his private plane. He also enjoyed spending time with his family at his second home on Lake Coeur d'Alene and was often seen out on the water boating or riding his jet skis. Survivors are his loving wife of 57 years, Mary Paupst; daughter, Patricia Kendall (Curt); son, Neil Paupst (Allison); daughter, Meredith Rainville (Michael); grandson, Aiden Rainville. He was preceded in death by his parents, Montrose and Susan Paupst; and son, Darcy Paupst. Wayne was interned at Riverside Memorial Cemetery in a private graveside service. There will be a memorial service and reception Thursday, April 25 at 2:30 pm at St. Stephens Church, located at 5720 S. Perry Street in Spokane, WA. Wayne had a strong passion for life and loved to spend time with family and friends. He leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and perseverance that will forever resonate in our hearts. The family would like to thank Rita, Lisa, and Krista for their wonderful care and Hospice of Spokane for their compassionate services. At one time Wayne wrote a timeline of his life and the last thing that was written was- Most Inspirational Person- "My wife Mary", Wayne Paupst.