Wayne J Daley

The last of four brothers, Wayne J. Daley, 87, of Bainbridge Island, Washington, passed away on January 23, 2024. He was born November 6, 1936, in Choteau, Montana, to Emma Frances Forbes and Halvor Marcus Daley.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 37 years, Marcia Andre Daley; his children, Emma Frances Sturms (Matt), and Kristen Daley Mosier (Christopher); and Marcia’s children, Karen Hillerman (Curt), and David Hillerman. He leaves behind grandchildren, Rachel Galligan (Patrick), Travis Sturms, and Allison Sturms, as well as a great-grandson who is expected to arrive in April; nieces and nephews; and countless friends and colleagues.

Wayne graduated from Fairfield High School, Fairfield, MT, in 1954. He proudly served in the Navy as a sonar technician and was stationed in Hawaii and the South Pacific. Following his time in the military, Wayne studied engineering at Montana State College, then moved to Seattle to work at Boeing. He then pursued his passion for fisheries, earning a bachelor's degree from the University of Washington. Wayne dedicated his career to promoting vital fish habitat and aquatic life in the Puget Sound region and around the country. He worked as a consultant on shoreline and watershed management for cities, private property owners, and community groups. His voice for the environment will be missed by many.

Wayne was an active member of Bethany Lutheran Church, Bainbridge Island. He had a passion for singing and sang with numerous choirs and choral groups. He was a longtime volunteer with Holden Village as a member of the Sci-Tech committee; in that role, he offered his expertise to update the village’s water system, overseeing its construction and the addition of rain birds to protect the village from wildfire damage. Wherever there was water he enjoyed fly fishing and crabbing. He mentored several Eagle Scout projects on and around the island. More recently, he became a member of the American Legion.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Save Our Wild Salmon (www.wildsalmon.org) or to Bethany Lutheran Church designated to the affordable housing project on their donated property (bethanyofbainbridge.org).

A memorial service will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church, 7968 Finch Rd NE, Bainbridge Island, Washington 98110 on Friday, March 15 at 2:00 pm with a reception after the service.

Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island, WA.