"I recently learned of Wayne\'s passing and my heart broke. I worked with him at Maricopa Community Colleges. He was a gentle, patient person. He would spare time for anyone and would share his knowledge freely. We loved talking about our pets. His eyes would glitter when he talked about his pugs. I would bring them up just to see his face lighten up. How worried he was when one of them had to have a surgery. I read other people\'s entries and I see that he was same to all of us. He cared for all he knew genuinely. For his stature, he would walk gently, talk softly. I am very sorry for our loss. We lost an angel of a man."
In loving memory of
Wayne R. Haggstrom
Major Wayne R. Haggstrom, 60, beloved husband of Mary Ann Wilkinson, passed away July 17, 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona after a two-week battle with the Covid19 virus. Besides Mary Ann and their pugs, Jenny and Georgie, he is survived by his sister Gail (Poss) of Phoenix, brother Col. Glenn Haggstrom of Fairfax, VA, and nieces Paige (Berlin) in Phoenix and Shannon (Heiselman) in Maplewood, NJ, and nephew Stefan Wilkinson Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. His parents Ruth E. and Robert J. Haggstrom preceded him in death.
As a member of an Air Force family, Wayne lived in many places growing up but considered the Washington, D.C. area home. He graduated from Annandale High School in 1977 and decided to join, as Wayne would say, "the family business." He went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1982 from The Ohio State University, and a Master of Arts in Computer and Information Resources Management in 1989 from Webster University while working at the Defense Mapping Agency in St. Louis.
In 1990, Wayne returned to Virginia and continued his distinguished Air Force career stationed at Bolling Air Force Base until 1997 supporting Operation Desert Storm. He was Director of the AF Program Resource Office and Commander of the AF Project Support Office. He directed over 1,500 people in 100 sensitive units worldwide. Although dangerous, he loved his work and traveling the world with his people. He was a true patriot. Upon retirement, he was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal.
After retirement, Wayne worked in facilities management and technical and personal consulting in Northern Virginia and relocated to Phoenix in 2007. He was currently a Sr. Consulting Manager at MSS Business Transformation Advisory in Phoenix. Also, Wayne was Chairman of the Board of the Southwest Alliance for Excellence, the Board Secretary of American Society for Quality Phoenix Section, and a Board member of the East Valley Center for Spiritual Living.
When he was not working, Wayne loved cooking and grilling. His beef tenderloin was legendary. He loved photography, all types of music - especially Jimmy Buffett, remodeling and building, OSU Buckeye football, and jumping to the rescue for anyone who needed him. This sweet, caring, brilliant soul will be truly missed.
Wayne loved dogs and never met a dog who did not love him! All memorial donations to the AZ Pug Life Rescue Society at https://www.azpugliferescue.org/donate.html are greatly appreciated.
Tributes
"I was honored to have worked with Wayne at Shasta. A true gentleman that will be greatly missed."
"I was fortunate to work with Wayne on a short, though intense, project for a couple of months at Maricopa Community Colleges. Though our communications were either email, voice mail or texts, I grew to like Wayne very much. Very early on I sensed he was a 'good guy' as they say. He was positive in the face of confusion and questions and always tried to find answers for me. Our organization, and the world, has lost a good man. My sincere condolences to his family."
"My uncle Wayne was the kindest and smartest person I knew. He was always up for helping anyone with anything they needed. When I was in college, I was taking a dendrology class that was so hard, my uncle had to do my homework for me! Of course he tried to teach me how to understand it and was so patient in doing so. I called my uncle Wayne numerous times for things like this. There wasn?t a topic that he was not well versed in - even the study of tree rings! I will miss laughing with him and grilling at his house in AZ more recently. He was a great cook and I always loved his meals. From my childhood, my fondest memories are when we would spend our summers in Virginia with him and our family. He was an amazing uncle and I will miss him so much. A piece of our family will always be missing without him. I?m grateful for the time we spent together and will cherish our memories forever. Love you Woozer. Your niece, Shannon "
"I had the pleasure of working with Wayne at Shasta Pools. Always enjoyed his insight and friendly hellos. A true gentleman and will be missed."
"I worked with Wayne in many years. He was a true professional that was already positive in his outlook. In addition, Wayne always took the time to stop by and say hello. He was a very caring individual. I will miss his updates on The Ohio State Football Team, the music concerts that he and Mary Ann attended, and new restaurants in the neighborhood. My deepest condolences and sympathies to Mary Ann and the rest of the family!"
"Wayne was one of the best humans that I have ever had the pleasure to know. While we worked together for only a few years, I considered him a friend. He was a consultant but became an integral part of the work and quickly became the go-to person for bouncing off ideas or just listening. He listened so well. Always kept his calm. Offered sage advice. Never overstepped. And genuinely cared about whatever it was you wanted him to hear. Wayne and Mary Anne helped me get my pug. As a fellow pug lover, I could not believe my luck when my family was finally ready to welcome a bring a new one into our home after losing two years before. I will miss him terribly as a colleague and a friend. "
"I had the privilege and blessing to work with Wayne for the past 4 years at MSS. Wayne was so much fun to visit with - his humor, his knowledge and his advice. He was able to have a great conversation with anyone and make everyone he met feel special. He set the great example with his kindness, his service and always looking for ways to help others. I will miss him terribly! My deepest sympathy to Mary Ann and family! "
"I knew Wayne through my exposure to my organization's Baldrige journey. When I first met him, I felt a certain presence . . . a unique mixture of professionalism and kindness. I found Wayne to be so enjoyable and helpful as I had additional encounters with him that I will never forget him. God rest your soul, Wayne. My prayers are with you and your family."
"I too enjoyed seeing Wayne at work and while attending examiner training at SWAE. Between meetings he would often stop by to see if I had time to serve on an annual panel. He was always kind, friendly and went out of his way to assist others. He was an example of strength, courage and shared a good smile to help get through a rough day. You could always tell that he had a passion for helping people and in his work. My sincere sympathy to his wife and family. He will be missed."
"Wayne was a true gentleman, a hardworking and kind person that I enjoyed working with a couple years back. He offered some really valuable advice about a personal challenge I was walking through and I'll always remember how he went out of his way to offer an upbeat hello and catch up when other meetings brought him past my office on occasion. I offer my truest condolences to his family and close friends, you really had a treasure in Wayne, and I'm sure many cherished memories remain after his untimely passing. Rest in peace sir, it was an honor to have met and known you."
"My last meeting with Wayne was less than a month ago and it feels surreal that he is no longer with us. Wayne was smart, kind, and always asking great questions to help us work smarter. I will miss him."
"I called Wayne ?Uncle Woo? or ?Wooser?. Woo was kind and thoughtful, caring, and went out of his way to help anyone. When I think of my childhood and adulthood with Wayne I think of summers in Virginia. I remember how he spent his time taking me to numerous historical sites in Virginia and Washington DC. I remember how he introduced me to the worlds best ice cream at his favorite ice cream stand. I remember the countless hours he spent helping me with science fair projects, reports, or college algebra until 2am. These moments spent with Wayne shaped my interests and inspired me. I remember the times I spent with Wayne and they bring me happiness and joy, but what I will remember most is that I always felt the love Wayne had for me. A lot of the things I love in life are because of my uncle. I adored my uncle and I am forever grateful that he was my Uncle Woo. "
"Wayne was a disguised angel, always there when we need professional help or advice. His lovely and talented wife Mary Ann was our Organist and Choir Director for many years at the Arlington Metaphysical Chapel Whenever she or we needed help with the recordings, or microphones, or just general advice as to "how to," Wayne was always the one to rescue us! Even though Wayne and Mary Ann moved West a number of years ago, he is still remembered fondly by many grateful members and friends. God speed you Wayne in your new spiritual home and may Mary Ann feel your loving presence nd know that all is well! F. Reed Brown, Pastor Emeritus, AMC, "
"Wayne and I met through MSS and worked on projects together. We stayed close, and then I was honored to continue my work with him for SWAE. He was amazing...both as a colleague and a great human being. My heart and prayers go out to his family and his many friends among our community. Wayne, God speed. You will be sorely missed. CC"
"Smart, helpful, kind, funny...Wayne you are missed. It was an honor knowing you. Thank you for the help you gave when needed and the advice given when asked. If only the world had more ? Waynes? all would be good."
"I had a short but impressionable time getting to know Wayne, as so more than just as Mr. Handsome that my friend Mary Ann was married to! I'll always treasure those estate sale days in MI a few years back, where I enjoyed Waynes dry, clever and highly intelligent humor! ??? He's was a good husband to my friend, Mary Ann. He blessed us all! ???"
"I know Wayne from Shasta and from MSS. Nice person to know, he will be missed by all that knew him."
"I always enjoyed talking with Wayne about Ohio State and Notre Dame football, cars and computers! Wayne made the best barbecue meals along with a cold, tall coke! The best grill master! I will miss you and our great conversations! Rest In Peace Wayne. Love, John Poss"
"I worked with Wayne at the Southwest Alliance for Excellence. He was always so supportive and had a heart of service. He was a very kind and humble soul. He will be greatly missed. Rest with the angels!"
"Growing up my special nickname for Wayne was ?Woo?! He always carried around his Book of Jokes and made everyone laugh! A wonderful caring kind brother! I will miss you everyday Woo! Rest In Peace! Love you always. Your sister Gail"