Wayne D. Pitman

Sept. 29, 1929 —  May 10, 2008

MONTROSE —  Wayne D. Pitman, 78, of Montrose, Colo., passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, May 10, 2008 in the presence of his wife and three children. His earthly body died after a long battle with cancer.

Wayne was born on Sept. 29, 1929 in Lennox, S.D. where he was raised and graduated from high school. He married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Kuper, in 1948 and they would have celebrated 60 years of marriage on Dec. 17, 2008.

Wayne completed his apprenticeship as an electrician in Sioux Falls, S.D.  He worked on the Minute Men missile silos in the 1960’s, all three dams on the Gunnison River system; and various projects in California and Washington, including the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Wayne loved camping with his family and friends, and after retirement he and his wife Shirley took camping trips to Utah, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, and to Glacier National Park, and Kootenay, and Banff National Parks in Canada. Wayne also enjoyed and was skilled in woodworking and stained glass work. Wayne has been a member of Montrose Christian Church since 1969, and served there as deacon, elder and in many other ministries. He taught a home Bible study for over five years.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Shirley Pitman, of Montrose; son, Mike and wife Carolyn of Gypsum; daughter, Suzanne and husband Scott Woodring of Hinton, Okla.; daughter, Linda Gaulke of Ridgway; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; and a brother, Vernon Pittman of Flora, Miss. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Francis Pitman; one brother; and infant twin sisters.

At his request, cremation has taken place. A celebration of his life will be held at Montrtose Christian Church on Saturday, May 17, 2008, at 11 a.m.  Memorial contributions in Wayne’s memory may be made to: Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado, P. O. Box 1804, Montrose, CO 81402.  Arrangements are under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory of Montrose, 802 E. Main, Montrose, CO 81401  (970) 249-2121.