Wayne Hill, 83

R. Wayne Hill, 83, was reunited with his wife in death in his home in Osburn, Idaho, on Feb. 23, 2026. He was born Oct. 30, 1942, in Shamrock, Texas, to Tisan and Ann Hill.

Wayne grew up in sunny southern California with his two younger siblings, running around town and getting into trouble. He graduated from Eisenhower High School in 1960.

In 1963, Wayne met Diane DeLaO at the local Tasty Freeze. With a twinkle in his eyes, he would recount how he had thought she was Italian because of the "beautiful tone of her skin" ... she was Hispanic and thought this was quite funny. On May 7, 1965, in San Bernardino, Calif., he vowed to love Diane until he took his final breath; he made good on that promise every day for 50 short years.

Wayne worked hard to provide for his wife and their three sons through his trade as a journeyman welder. He loved the 15 years he and Diane spent raising and showing quarter horses up and down the California coast, and as an avid car enthusiast, a conversation with Wayne wasn't complete until he shared a story about street racing or a favorite classic car he once owned.

In 2002, Wayne and Diane moved to beautiful North Idaho and settled in the cozy town of Osburn. Wayne quickly adapted to the Pacific Northwestern lifestyle and became a not-so-successful hunter, but oh how he loved getting out into the mountains every October.

Wayne will always be remembered as a father, papa, brother and friend who loved deeply and protected ferociously.

Wayne was preceded in death by his wife, Diane, and his son, Michael, and is survived by his sons, David and Tisan, and his wife, Dia; his five grandchildren, Anthony, Matthew, Evelyn, TJ, and Reilly; and his sister, Patty.

A graveside memorial will be held for Wayne on May 7, 2026, at Shoshone Memorial Gardens, 183 Serenity Loop, Pinehurst, ID, followed immediately by a reception at Gene Day Park in Osburn, Idaho.