What an interesting life my Uncle Wayne lived. I was always intrigued and inspired by his many stories of travel and adventure. A veteran of two wars, He served his country with honor and distinction. He was a man of great integrity. A family man who would do anything for his family and his community. I know that he was very involved with a number of charities. He seemed to always be looking out for other folks and giving to those that needed a little extra help. He had a big heart and was always willing to share his time to make things a bit better for everyone around him. I always loved sitting with him and his family listing to his stories. He was always good at getting the whole room to laugh. The house was filled with little treasures for all over the world and I was always so enthralled to hear about the many places he had been. He was a kind and caring man who made the world a better place. We will mess him greatly.

As Wayne Geiger's niece I thought I would share some fond memories from my youth. His intimidating size (especially to a child) was tempered by his gentle spirit. He was a good cook, I especially remember Thanksgiving feasts with all the trimmings and one yummy pineapple upside down cake, which I found intriguing as a child. I remember at least one 4th of July with sparklers and home fireworks, exotic to a girl who grew up in fire prone California. I remember being at my grandparents house in Spokane after my grandfather died and Uncle Wayne showing me the first firefly I had ever seen. I remember late nights drifting off to sleep in one of the bedrooms while the adults talked and laughed and played cribbage while Aunt Bernadette tapped her finger nails. I remember day trips on his boat out on the Sound, and one day in particular when Uncle Wayne suggested I take the dinghy out to fish off of when I was about 12. I remember when he generously treated my parents to accompany he and Bernadette on an Alaskan Cruise which was a trip of a lifetime for my parents. I remember a quietly strong man with a gentle confidence that would do anything for family, he was a good man to have on your side. He had a good life, he will be remembered.

Wayne Geiger is one of the last, great men of a great era. A period of time filled with duty and honor. A time when America truly was a great nation. A time when a hand shake was as good or better than a written contract, and a man was proud to defend his country. Wayne Geiger was a big man, both in size and stature. After using the word "stature", I looked up it's meaning to be sure I used it correctly. The dictionary defines it as : 1) Height 2) "Importance or reputation gained by ability or achievement. Wayne Geiger was a man of great Stature. He will be remembered and missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him. In his presence, one could only stare in awe as he reached back into his memory and began a story, or described an event decades past. While we mourn his passing, the Angels celebrate his coming home.

Trish and family, know that you are in my prayers. Loosing a loved one leaves a 'hole in our hearts'. Know that God will pour His love and comfort into your hearts as you journey toward healing that empty place that is now hurting, God Bless...

I will see you in the sunset and like the stable tree by still waters - you will always be with me.