Wayne Burnett McIrvin

Wayne was born in Vancouver, Washington, in March 1932. He was the only son of Vernon and Edith McIrvin, and grew up with three sisters: Shirley, Carolyn and Judy. In 1946, the family moved to a ranch in the rural Aladdin/Northport (NE) area of Washington State. He helped his father raise cattle and horses, and also pitched in to log and clear their land. He attended school in Orient and graduated from Northport High School, where he played basketball, baseball, and football. It was during high school that he met his sweetheart – and the love of his life – Betty Anne Dompier. On April 11, 1952, the two young lovebirds eloped to Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho, where they were married. Why Idaho, you ask? Well, let’s say Betty Anne wasn’t quite of age (17), and Wayne hadn’t exactly cleared things with her parents. So, off they went on their great escape. And really, who could argue with that bold move? After all, it kicked off 68 incredible years of marriage.

Wayne enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and just a few days after they were married, he was shipped to San Diego, California, for boot camp. He served as a Radioman during the Korean Conflict. During training in San Diego, Betty Anne also moved there to be close and to finish high school. In 1954, he was Honorably Discharged and the couple returned to the Northport area.

In 1955, Wayne and Betty Anne started their family, raising four beautiful, exceptionally gifted but modest children: Bud, Kassie, Cindy, and Neil.

Wayne worked several jobs, including driving a log truck, ranching, and helping other families. With his GI Bill in-hand, he entered a diesel mechanic trade school. He was then hired at an International Harvester Company dealer in Harrington, Washington. Over the years, the family lived in several Eastern Washington farming towns. In 1967, he accepted a sales position with an International Harvester dealer in Milwaukie, Oregon, and the family moved to Portland for a short time, followed by a move to Vancouver, Washington, where they purchased their first home. Wayne thrived in equipment sales, moving into management roles and eventually owning his own International dealership in 1977, Payline Northwest, in Seattle. He later joined Sumner Tractor as Sales Manager for John Deere equipment (one of his favorite roles at age 60), until his retirement in 2006 at the age of 74. Upon retirement, Wayne and Betty Anne moved to Meridian, Idaho, and later to Eagle, Idaho, where they enjoyed their golden years together.

One of the most defining moments of Wayne’s life came on July 18, 1965, when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the First Christian Church in Tekoa, Washington. His faith became the cornerstone of his life and marriage. Wayne served as a deacon, elder, youth leader, and marriage counselor in various churches, always eager to share the message of God’s love. With Betty Anne by his side, they grew in their faith, sharing the gospel with family, friends, and others. Their devotion to the Word impacted many throughout their years, with many stories of salvation and biblically-centered counseling. Wayne was always inclined to share with others that they were “special” in God’s eyes and even shared this with complete strangers many times. He often began with a simple question: “If you were to die today, would you go to Heaven?” Then he’d follow with, “If you stood before God and He asked, ‘Why should I let you into Heaven?’ what would you say?” From there, he shared his faith, pointing to verses like Romans 6:23 and 1 John 5:13 as God’s assurance of salvation. He reminded them of John 3:16: “Whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” There was no doubt that Wayne and Betty Anne’s consistent faith brought a solid foundation to their marriage.

Wayne enjoyed the outdoors and had many hunting stories over the years. He loved traveling with Betty Anne, anything from day trips to traveling in Europe. They enjoyed road trips by themselves, but often traveled with family throughout Oregon, California, Washington, Montana, and Idaho. Wayne especially enjoyed driving up a logging road, stopping and glassing a ridge for animals. Wayne also enjoyed carpentry and built several pieces of fine furniture that he would often gift to family and friends. Even in this hobby, Wayne and Betty Anne were partners. He would build it, and Betty Anne would paint or stain it. Their marriage was an inspiration for many. Their faith guided them through the challenges and joys of growing old together.

If you ever met Wayne and happened to see his desk, you would have noticed a small plaque with the words he lived by:

1. 
   
2. “They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,
3. they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

Wayne was preceded in death by Betty Anne (his wife), Vernon and Edith McIrvin (his parents), and Shirley McCombs (his sister).

Wayne is survived by his sisters, Carolyn Dompier and Judy (Jim) Richardson. His children, Bud (Laurie) McIrvin, Kassie (Grant) Jones, Cindy (Bob) Davisson, and Neil McIrvin (Lindsay Sovde). He also leaves 12 grandchildren: Heather, Wayne, Sarah, Kevin, Dawn, Matthew, Nathan, Norelle, Natasha, Andon, Addison, and Narissa. He also leaves 19 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.

A private family committal service will be held at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, in Boise, Idaho.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.