Wayne Augstine

Wayne and Victoria were married for over 53 years. They were very devoted to one another. When Victoria had health issues, Wayne made sure she was well cared for. He used to attend church services, and it was always nice to see him. Wayne was very protective of Victoria, and I am sure she will miss him! Let’s hold Victoria in prayer. ❤️

In Loving Memory of Wayne The sudden loss of Wayne has been such a shock, and it is difficult to imagine our lives without him in them. Ned and I first came to know Wayne and Victoria back in 2004, when Victoria came to work with me in Bristol, Connecticut. What began as a working relationship became a friendship that has lasted more than twenty years. Over those years, there were so many birthday dinners, holiday gatherings, cocktails around the pool, and, of course, that memorable trip to Key West. Wayne had a wonderful deadpan sense of humor. He could say something with such a straight face that you weren't quite sure whether he was serious. You'd stop and think about it for a moment, and then he'd break into that laugh and say, “I'm just kidding!” That was Wayne. He and I were birthday mates, which gave us one more reason to celebrate together over the years. Wayne was a voracious reader. He could work his way through volumes of books—fiction, nonfiction, horror—and was always discovering something new. I could count on a text telling me about the latest Dean Koontz or Stephen King book that I simply had to read. Just as often, he would text asking me to recommend a new television series or movie for him to watch. Books and stories were something we shared, even when we weren't together. Wayne was an athlete, too—really, he was built to be one. Basketball and baseball were his favorite sports, and I'm pretty sure Victoria still displays that wonderful photograph of Wayne from his college days when he played basketball. He golfed for years as well, until his back finally decided it wasn't going to cooperate anymore. Even when he could no longer participate the way he once had, his love of sports never left him. Watching basketball or baseball was serious business—and sometimes finding the right channel carrying the game seemed to be a sport all its own. And then there was the music. Wayne loved those “old ’70s” groups that we all grew up with—although somehow they don't seem quite so old to us. But when I think of Wayne, I think most of all of Wayne and Victoria together. They were college sweethearts and built a lifetime together. Through the years they faced more than their share of health scares and came through them, time and again, together and triumphant. To say they were devoted to one another isn't simply a nice phrase. It is the truth of the life they shared. Family was at the center of Wayne's life. He was so proud of his son, James, his daughter-in-law, Joanna, and his three grandchildren. Although distance separated them, they were never far from his thoughts. Wayne and Victoria also became an important part of our own story. In some ways, they paved the way for Ned and me to follow them south and make Venice our retirement home. And when we joined Venice United Church of Christ, it seemed only fitting that Wayne and Victoria were our sponsors, welcoming us into a church community that would become such an important part of our lives. There are people who enter our lives for a season, and there are others who become woven into the fabric of our own story. After more than twenty years of friendship, Wayne is very much a part of ours. Rest in peace, Wayne. We will continue to surround Victoria with our love, friendship, and support—and hold close all the wonderful memories we were fortunate enough to share with you. Love, Maria & Ned

n

Met Wayne and Vicki at Thirsty Thursdays when Grand Palm was young. They both were instantly lovable! As time passed, Wayne spent time most mornings on his porch reading. We would engage in conversation covering an array of topics and Vicki would often join us. Then along came my dog Dolly. Wayne always gave her a small treat and a loving pet. It got to the point where Dolly would start whining a few houses away in anticipation of this special time. He will be missed for so many reasons, but his kind nature and dry humor are on the top of the list. May his memory be a blessing for all who knew him.?

Good friend. The talk to at church. Thank you, person.