Jamie Bunyard
Before I ever really knew Wayne—though I remember him first as “Norgan”—I met him back in high school, nearly 26 years ago. My friends and I would go to his home and barbershop in Moline to get our hair cut before our basketball games. He was such a wonderful barber—probably gave us the best haircuts we ever had.
Little did I know that about 15 years later, he would marry my partner Jordan Tucker’s grandmother—and from that point on, I came to consider him my grandpa.
I have so many great memories with him. We shared a lot of good times—working in the yard, gardening, and just spending time outdoors. My partner and I even purchased a tiny home from him, one of the many beautiful little homes he sold through his portable building business. He had a real gift for turning simple things into something special and meaningful, and he loved sharing that with family and friends.
Wayne and I bonded over our shared love of nature, gardening, and flowers. We were always learning from each other and having the most interesting conversations. He had such a big heart—spiritual, kind, generous, and always ready to help others in any way he could.
Jackie, I’m so sorry for your loss. Wayne was truly a good-hearted and loving man, and I feel incredibly honored to have known him—and even more honored to have called him “Grandpa.”