Birth date: Jul 17, 1937 Death date: Mar 30, 2019
Wayne LeRoy Startin, aka "Lee" to those who knew him best, passed away on March 30, 2019, at the age of 81. He was the son of Spencer Startin and Melba Haun and his siblings were Pete, Clella, Ron x 2, and Kaye. He is survived by Read Obituary
I had Bro Startin for several calculus classes and enjoyed him greatly. Enough that I remember him 30 years later when most other names and faces have faded.
I am so sorry to hear of Coach Startin's passing. He brought me to Ricks College back in 1983 to play football. He ordained me a High Priest in the LDS church about 10 years ago. When I left Ricks for Montana State University in 1985, I was in a terrible car accident that Summer and he and his Wife Susan nursed me back to health after suffering a couple of cracked vertebrae. I was able to return to MSU and continued my College football career. I will always be grateful for all Coach Startin did for me.
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
Yep Coach Startin . Who would of guessed he loved listening to Barbara Streisand! (found out that on the last day of school while cleaning our classroom at Granite)
Good ol' coach. I can still see him walking down the math hallway pointing at people he recognized and smiling. He was a great teacher and a good friend. It was always fun to ask him about the football games as I passed his office on the way to mine. His smile and his laugh are still in my mind.
I grew up as friends with his daughter, Kenzie, and lived in their neighborhood. I always really looked up to Bro. Startin. I was also privileged to have a calculus class from Bro. Startin. I so enjoyed his fun stories, the knowledge he shared, and his caring for us. During the course of this class, we had a death in our family, and he was so compassionate and kind. He is such a wonderful person and I'm glad to know him!
I had an office right next to Wayne's in the Ricks Building at BYU-Idaho until Wayne retired. I always enjoyed stopping and visiting with Wayne. He had such a wonderful, positive outlook on life. I really miss our visits.
Daris Howard
Wayne Startin- a good friend and great man! Lots of good memories- football- math classes! Loved him and his family- all great people! Love - Jim And Kelli Stark
I remember when I interviewed for the office assistant position for the mathematics department for Ricks College and walking into an office with several faculty members present but only seeing Wayne. His presence was LARGE (greater than average) and my focus went directly to him. He was a little intimidating to me. Glad to say I was offered the position and I worked with Wayne for 6 years. Wayne and I became close friends. I love his laugh and good natured way and miss our deep conversations. Wayne, you will be missed.
I have so many memories, it’s impossible to list them all, but what I will carry with me forever is the tender heart, and giving nature he had toward everyone. He had a good soul. He will be greatly missed.
