I first met Wayne in 1946 - we were both in 4th grade at La Canada Grammar School in La Canada, California. There were three classrooms of us 4th graders, and he and I were not in the same classroom.
Wayne was a "winner" - arguably the most popular kid out of all 3 classrooms of we 4th graders. I was pretty much a shy wall flower of a guy. and I wasn't part of the clique.
Our Junior HIgh School years started at John Marshall Jr Hi, in Pasadena.
The next year, La Canada got its own Jr Hi - La Canada Jr. High. Wayne loved football, and played quarterback - I think on the "B" team? (The "A" team was for guys that had already grown to nearly 200 lbs. as I recall? On the very first day of that schools opening. I found myself in a Mechanical Drawing class at 8:00am. Wayne occupied the drafting table directly behind me.
In 1952, we were entering our 10th grade year - Seniors in Jr High. Wayne had been elected class president. He was not to hold that office, as the Startin family moved - to Salt Lake City I believe??? He said good-bye to all of us, and his girlfriend, Susan.
Another luminary of the class, Cleve Traughber took the office of class president - and Wayne's girl!!!! Cleve passed away in October, 2018.
I spoke to Wayne in 2005, and invited him to our 50 year HIGH school and 52 year JUNIOR HIGH school reunion. I was complimented that he remembered me, but the move from California so long ago had hurt him, and he preferred not to re-open old wounds.
Wayne was a gentleman, a young man of honor, and one who even at an early age, inspired those who came into contact with him. Clearly, those qualities carried him with elegance through a meaningful life. Rest in peace old friend. So many of us will miss you.
Allan Ulves [email protected], Eagle, Idaho
