No headline

Wayland Benner Lipscomb, 93

Wayland Benner Lipscomb will be remembered as one of the last of the “Greatest Generation,” with a hunger and thirst for adventure. He was born in Luling, Texas, on March 9, 1923, to Bonnie Alban Lester Lipscomb and Clarence Max Lipscomb. He had two siblings, Max (Bubbles) Lipscomb and Gloria Brooks.

At age 17, Wayland joined the Army Air Force prior to World War II. During the war, he was a gunner and radioman on a B-25 bomber. His squadron flew bombing missions over Kiska and Attu Islands in the Aleutian Chain. These two islands were the only American territory occupied by enemies during the war. Following the war, he and a partner operated a small sawmill near Anchorage, but never made much money because they were usually “Gone Fishing.”

He worked for the Alaska Railroad for a few years and then began his career as an electronics specialist with the Civil Aeronautics Authority, later renamed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). He ultimately became a Sector Chief for the FAA, responsible for numerous radio navigation stations in south central Alaska (many of which he accessed as a bush pilot) until his retirement in 1971. Upon marrying Doris Dye Lipscomb in 1948, he moved her from her family home in Goliad, Texas, to Alaska where they raised their five children: Kathryn Franks, Suzanne McGowan, Stephen Lipscomb, Richard Lipscomb and Lynn Henrikson.

Wayland was an Alaskan bush pilot, homesteader, fisherman, hunter, skier and builder. He and his family homesteaded 160 acres of land close to Palmer, Alaska. Moose meat and wild fresh-caught salmon and trout were standard fare in the Lipscomb home, thanks to his hunting and fishing skills. He was not only an excellent provider, but also a provider of adventures for family and friends alike. He had a generous spirit and used his talents and abilities to help wherever he saw a need.

During the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake, the family home he built, out of pocket, sank 30 feet, slid 150 feet and was considered demolished. In just one of many demonstrations of his dauntless “Can do” spirit, he had the house lifted with cranes onto a housemoving truck and moved 13 miles out to the country where he began the process of rebuilding.

In 1972, he moved his family to Maui, Hawaii, where he served and preached for the local Church of Christ for six years. In 1978, he relocated to Harrison, Idaho, spending the next 37 years enjoying his beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene. He attended the Dalton Gardens Church of Christ in Coeur d’Alene where he was known and loved by many.

At the age of 79, after the death of Doris, he was reintroduced to Mary Nell Bell Cole, a woman he had known and admired as a young man, and they were married in 2001. Together they spent the following 12 years traveling, flying, skiing and enjoying one another’s companionship. After Mary Nell’s death, Wayland moved to Boise, Idaho, to be close to two of his children and enjoy visits from all of his children, 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

On Feb. 15, 2017, Wayland died peacefully after a short illness and went home to be with the Lord he loved. He will be missed by many, but will be remembered fondly for his dry wit, deep love of family, “Lipscomb honor,” and for being the man who made his children proud to call him Dad. Until we meet again, “See you in the funny papers, Dad,” and we will remember your admonition to, “Be of good cheer.” Love you always.