Thomas Wayne Massie's Obituary
Thomas Wayne Massie laid down his tools and fishing poles on October 8th at 3:16 in the morning and calmly and peacefully turned his attention to the love of his life, wife Shirley Ann Massie, who has been waiting for him in heaven for over a decade; he bravely dedicated that time waiting to spending precious time with his family whom he adores with all of his heart. Daughters Pamela Sky and Leah Goergens were blessed to have this incredible human as a loving and caring dad. He taught them what he knew about fixing things and using tools and passed on a love of the outdoors, working hard and aiming to bless others. His girls were incredibly special to him, a constant priority and source of joy, and he was the best dad to them.
His goal was to stay and witness the graduations of his four grandkids, Evan Sky, Nathan Sky, Sarah Goergens, and Trevor Goergens, who were also his world. In July, he traveled to Colorado for a wedding (and gained an incredible bonus granddaughter, Maisie Sky), was told about a special engagement about to happen (with a bonus grandson to be Shane Cole), and felt so proud that all of them were employed, working hard, and happy. That was incredibly important to him!
Wayne was also proud and thankful for his two sons-in-law, Brian Sky and Scott Goergens, because he wanted his girls to be happy, cared for, and appreciated. “These are good men,” he’d say.
Wayne was a friend to everyone he had ever met. He was just so kind, fun, friendly, and helpful that the comments we hear most often are, “Wayne was such a great guy!” and, “We really liked your dad!”
He was liked and appreciated in his workplace at the California Department of Transportation. As an engineer, he worked on California’s highways and bridges and could tell you if one was banked properly. He was a coach since he could play and excel at any sport he tried! He was well into his eighties before anyone in the family could beat him at ping-pong. He had a serve that no one could return!!!
Born in a very cool little town called Bisbee, Arizona, to Thomas W Massie and Louise Carter Massie on January 29, 1936. He had a younger brother, Lawrence, who predeceased him.
The family moved to San Diego when he was five. His dad was a firefighter in the Navy, and his mom worked on planes on the North Island as a Rosie the Riveter. He joined the Coast Guard as a young man following in their footsteps.
These are just a few words to commemorate an outstanding man and a life well-lived. In his honor, remember to hold a door for someone, stop what you’re doing to support a friend, talk to someone at the grocery store, help at your place of work or worship, be generous, and always do more than you’re asked. The world definitely benefitted from the life of Wayne Massie and the legacy he leaves with his family.
If you’d like to make a donation, in lieu of flowers, Lake Cuyamaca - a place he loved - holds a fishing tournament for kids, and he loved that! Please call (760)765-0515 to make a donation.
Additionally, the American Diabetes Foundation at [email protected]
Thomas Wayne Massie passed peacefully into heaven at 3:16, and his attending nurse was named John. John 3:16 - a gorgeous verse reminding us that he is with his beloved wife in heaven - a place of peace, love, community, and worship.
Thank you for everything Wayne, dad, Papa, and we love you tremendously!!!!
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