Wayne Kathan, Warren, passed on November 16, 2023. There were many times before this that should have been the last, like thriving while living in a tent at 74 degrees below zero, close calls with his MooseGooser while hunting, or when a truck tire blew up and hit him, sending him flying into the rafters, and the countless close calls on the town’s icy roads while helping strangers -many moments that made his 82 years a life well-lived.
He was born February 22, 1941, to Mildred and Merrill Kathan, and later was joined by his siblings Francis, Wendell and Reta. After graduating from Waitsfield High School in 1959, it was a painting job with Lenord Robinson that convinced him to enlist in the Army. He never did like painting. He served from 1961-1964, stationed to an engineers’ company in Fairbanks, Alaska. He embraced the Alaskan lifestyle as he built roads, hunted, fished and skied across that land. He lived a life of adventure, mischief and developed his extraordinary talent for unconventional problem-solving.
He met Fay Shoop in 1966, and they married shortly thereafter, beginning their joint life of love, respect, and exploration. With daughter Mel in tow, they made the decision to move the family (including two horses, two Saint Bernards, two cats, two guinea pigs and a freezer full of moose) back to Vermont. In 1971, he received a call from the town of Warren, asking him to take the road commissioner position. The town only had a single grader, but he called on those that had equipment and he knew would help, and together they pieced things together and got the job done. Kim and Kasey joined the family and eventually seven grandchildren entered the mix. He continued as road commissioner for the next 33 years, a position that he served with distinction and pride.
He balanced being there for his family with being there for his community. His family was blessed to learn many valuable lessons during his 82 years: keep a hundred dollars in your shoe -- just in case you need to get home, don’t throw things away – you’re probably going to need them someday, it probably can be fixed with duct tape or vice-grips, and do what you can for the benefit of others. Not one to sign up for committees or positions, he served his community by just showing up. If you needed something – a tree cut up, a part for your car, your road plowed out – anything, he would somehow know and be there. His solution might not have always been the most elegant, but it got the job done and it would be given to you freely.
He would want to be remembered as a simple man. He will be remembered as a problem solver, unafraid of doing what needed to be done, a masterful storyteller, and an unwavering companion to all who knew him, and many who didn’t.
A memorial service will happen on December 9 at the Warren United Church at 11 a.m., with a chance to swap tall tales over lunch at the Warren Town Hall following. Instead of flowers, do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for someone – just like Wayne, you’ll leave this world a bit better off.
