Obituary: Dr. Robert (Bob) Wayne

Published 12:15 am Friday, October 27, 2023

Cannon Beach icon, Dr. Robert (Bob) Wayne, fellow, American College of Surgeons, 80, died on Oct. 19, at home with his wife, Jean, his sister, Cynthia, and brother-in-law, Hans, at his side.

Bob was born on Aug. 14, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York, to Bill and Debbie Wayne.

Before retirement, Bob was a general surgeon at Columbia Memorial Hospital in Astoria and Providence Seaside Hospital. Bob said that he “played doctor for over 40 years on the Oregon coast.” In addition to working at the hospitals, Dr. Wayne made many house calls over the years.

Dr. Wayne received his medical degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1969. His internship and surgical residency were also completed at Creighton.

Dr. Wayne was commissioned as a lieutenant colonel and served in active duty for the U.S. Public Health Service in Seattle from 1974 to 1978. He joined the staff of Columbia Memorial Hospital in 1978.

Bob met Jean, his lovely wife of 52 years, in Omaha, in 1968, when he was a medical student and Jean was a nursing student. They were married in 1971.

Bob was active in his community, and worked with the city of Cannon Beach as a volunteer in emergency preparedness. He helped start and was co-coordinator of the Cannon Beach Medical Reserve Corps, was a member of the Community Emergency Response Team and Disaster Animal Response Team, and he was actively involved in emergency communications along the north Oregon Coast as a ham radio operator and member of Clatsop County Auxiliary Communications.

Bob had horses, and was passionate about sharing his love for riding. Bob rode in city parades and events, and could often be seen in Cannon Beach riding with friends. He often invited strangers whom he met on the beach to ride with him.

Bob loved kids and, when he met children who were excited to see horses up close, would show them how to feed the horses or put them in the saddle for a memorable experience.

In 2021, Bob met Galen, Bryce and Serena, the children of his neighbors, Mickey and Chet Moritz. He referred to them as his virtual grandchildren. They learned how to ride and take care of the horses, and were often seen riding with Bob. Recently, the boys took responsibility for caring for Bob’s three horses.

Bob is survived by his wife, Jean; his sister, Cynthia Anderfuhren, and her husband, Hans; nephew, Alex Anderfuhren, of Bern, Switzerland; and his niece, Bai Zhu Schmillen, of Des Moines, Iowa.

A memorial service was held at Hughes-Ransom Mortuary (hughesransom.com) in Seaside on Oct. 24.

Condolences may be sent to P.O. Box 520, Cannon Beach, OR., 97110.

Donations in Bob’s memory may be sent to the Columbia Memorial Hospital Foundation or Providence Seaside Hospital Foundation.