Wayne Russell Gaston peacefully left us on Friday, March 15, 2019, surrounded by his loved ones in Sandpoint, Idaho. He was 63 years old.

Wayne was born on Feb. 4, 1956, to Wesley and Dorothy (Daniels) Gaston in Pullman, Washington.

The family moved to Sandpoint when he was six months old. Wayne was a child full of curiosity with a love for nature and the outdoors. He loved animals and was a tender-hearted little boy. He had seven sisters and two brothers. Wayne graduated from Sandpoint High School in 1975.

Wayne was blessed with three daughters whom he loved deeply: Brooke, Holli-Rae and TaiAnn. His newest loves were his grandchildren, Henry, Ella and Poppy.

Wayne met his life partner of 31 years, Bea, in 1988. They spent many years in the backcountry exploring the great Pacific Northwest and the Selkirk Mountain Range. They would often venture to Roman Nose to explore the meadows, dig trees, search for garnets and explore the areas around the lakes for lush huckleberry bushes. They enjoyed countless hours of antiquing together, taking day trips to explore flea markets and little shops for keepsakes.

Wayne had a passion for hunting arrowheads and artifacts — a hobby he passed on to his daughters. When he wasn’t searching for his next treasure, he loved golfing, fishing, cultivating his garden, and spending time with his faithful dog, Moa.

Wayne was a hard worker. He worked for Mc- Farland Cascade Pole and Lumber for 10 years before moving to West Virginia in 2000 and subsequently opened his own business. He owned and operated the Greenkeeper Lawn and Landscape until early retirement due to illness.

Wayne will fondly be remembered for his humorous spirit — always trying to make someone smile. He was one of a kind and always made us laugh. He will be deeply missed.

Wayne is survived by his life partner, Bea Moreau; his daughters, Brooke Gaston (John), Holli Gaston (Michael) and TaiAnn Gaston (Patrick). He is also survived by his seven sisters, Louise, Patty, Dotty, Evelyn, Barbara, Janice, and Carol; numerous nieces and nephews and by his three grandchildren, Henry, Ella and Poppy. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Wesley and Dorothy (Daniels) Gaston; and by his two brothers, James and William.

A grove of trees will be planted in our Dad’s memory in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, because he cherished nature.

Private family services have been held.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Wayne’s online memorial at lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.