A Nehalem Valley native who grew up in Vernonia and Hillsboro, Wayne received his B.Sc. in Botany/Zoology from Oregon State University in 1969; and an M.Sc. (1972) and Ph.D. (1974) in limnology, aquatic microbiology and pharmacology from the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. His professional career was spent as Professor of Biological Sciences in Ohio. He has traveled extensively in all areas of the United States and around the world working on issues related to water quality and algal toxins in water supplies. He is now a retired (2007) Professor of Biological Sciences and Professor Emeritus at Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio.

Wayne and his Oregonian wife of 55 years, Laurie, now make their home in the coast range of Northern Oregon, on the Nehalem River near Jewell. As a landowner he practices sustainable farming and forestry while working closely with local and state agencies, including the Upper Nehalem Watershed Council, the North Coast Land Trust and the National Resource Conservation Service on wetland restoration. Being a volunteer for Special Districts, such as the Elsie Vinemaple Fire and Rescue District (EVFRD) is an important part of “thinking globally but acting locally.” The entire EVFRD Board are proud to be a part of the Elsie/Jewell/Vinemaple success story.