Wayne Richard Meyer, 59, of Rathdrum, Idaho, passed away after a long battle with colon cancer on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009.
Wayne was born in Colfax to Richard and Helen Meyer. The family moved to Spokane Valley in 1964 to start farming on the Rathdrum Prairie. Wayne attended schools in Colton, Spokane and, in 1971, graduated from Washington State University with a degree in agronomy.
Wayne married Karleen Penner in 1970 and raised a daughter, Jamie, on their farm in northern Idaho.
Wayne enjoyed many sports and became a high school basketball referee for 22 years. He also served as a basketball commissioner for the North Idaho Officials Association for three years. He then began his political career with 10 years of successful service as a state representative for the Idaho state Legislature, serving on the committees of Education, Business and Joint Finance. He fought long and hard for the money to protect the Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer. He was also instrumental in creating dual enrollment, allowing high school juniors and seniors to take college courses for credit. He also sponsored the "Huckleberry" bill on the House floor, resulting in the huckleberry becoming the Idaho state fruit. In the years after his legislative service, Wayne remained active in legislative affairs through his membership with both Coeur d'Alene and Rathdrum chambers of commerce. He was also a member of the North Idaho Farmer's Association. Most recently, Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter presented Wayne with a Commendation for Distinguished Public Service.
Wayne enjoyed playing golf, but farming was his passion, meeting every challenge head-on. He loved having his daughter, son-in-law and grandsons follow in his footsteps around the farm.
Wayne is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Karleen Meyer; daughter Jamie, son-in-law Lance Deacon and grandsons CJ, Nick and Mason, all of Rathdrum; mother Helen Meyer of Hayden, Idaho; brothers Douglas and Kathy Meyer of Pullman, Wallace and Laurie Meyer of Rathdrum and Walter and Valerie Meyer of Rathdrum; sisters Barbara and John Ostman of Coeur d'Alene and Lisa Meyer of East Africa and Pullman; 15 nieces and nephews; along with an adopted older child, Kelly Hughes of Post Falls.
Wayne was preceded in death by a nephew, Eyob, and his father, Richard.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of North Idaho, Shriner's Children's Hospital of Spokane or a charity of choice.
Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Pius X Catholic Church, located at 625 Haycraft in Coeur d'Alene. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Post Falls. English Funeral Chapel of Coeur d'Alene is in charge of arrangements.
Please sign Wayne's guest registry and view an online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.
