Obituary

Wayne Schiffman passed away suddenly on February 10, 2023. He was born in Walla Walla, Washington in 1949.

 

Wayne was a proud Cougar, graduating from Washington State University in 1972 where he was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He loved going to Pullman for Coug football and the Apple Cup. He helped establish Coug Air in the 80's and enjoyed a lifetime of attending games.

 

Wayne was in the car business for decades and was Dealer - Principle at Everett Mazda. He served on the Washington State Dealer's Association and the NW Dealers' Advisory Council. He eventually went on to be a successful account executive with Zurich North America, achieving President Club status. Wayne was also very active in his Tam o'Shanter neighborhood, volunteering on the board and working tirelessly on committees. He loved all his pals in the men's group and enjoyed many years of competitive golf.

 

Wayne loved the challenge of the business world, but his passion was flyfishing. He fished rivers in Washington, Oregon and British Columbia chasing steelhead and was a lifetime member of The Wild Steelhead Coalition. He often took off for the day with his raft to float the Yakima. He was also an avid golfer. Wayne and his wife Leslie took many golf trips, loving their time on Maui and in Palm Desert. Together they volunteered with the USGA and Marshalled at two U S Opens.

 

Wayne's focus was always on his loving family. He married his wife Leslie Nelson in 1995 and they successfully blended a family of three teenagers, Jeni, Julie, and Mike. They all grew together as a family, eventually giving Wayne 4 grandchildren whom he adored. He was their Papa. Wayne and his family enjoyed vacations, golf outings, and holidays and spent 30 loving years together.

 

Wayne was a great friend to many and touched many lives. He was a kind, generous, and caring man, always ready and available to help with his gentle approach. He is survived by his loving wife Leslie, daughters Jennifer LeFebvre and Julie Moore (John), son Mike Bessenyey (Megan), grandsons Jackson, Sam, Cameron, granddaughter Kaia, nephew John Schiffman (Melissa) and brothers Don and Leonard Schiffman. He was preceded in death by his daughter Melissa, nephew Josh Schiffman, and his parents Jean and Grover Schiffman.

 

Wayne was adored by Leslie and his family, and he will be forever missed.

 

A private Celebration of Life will be held.