Obituary of Chief Donald W. Wayand

Ret. Chief Donald W. Wayand

SCOTIA, NY—, A long-time resident of Scotia, Donald W. Wayand, entered eternal rest on September 20, 2019 surrounded by his loving family.

Don was born in Schenectady, New York on February 9, 1930 to the late William H. Wayand and Pearl Thorpe Wayand. He was one of four children, two of whom he joins in God’s hands: Virginia and Robert Wayand.

In 1954, Don married the love of his life, Lynn Marie Dupree.  He retired as a manager for the G.E. Co in the Large Gas Turbine Division where he was employed for 40 years.  

Don worked his way through the ranks and ultimately served over a decade as Chief of the Scotia Fire Department.  Don also became a New York State Fire Instructor, was Assistant Fire Coordinator for Schenectady County, the first Town of Glenville Fire Warden, and a life member of the NYS Fire Chiefs Association. Fighting fires ran in Don’s blood as he followed in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps. Don proudly served as the 3rd of now five generations of Wayand firefighters.

Don’s life was quite an adventure!  Don was an avid woodsman and enjoyed many days hunting and fishing, especially in the Adirondacks. He and his wife owned summer homes in Lake Placid and in Lake Champlain. After retiring in 1988, Don and Lynn bought a motorhome and visited all the continental United States (including Alaska!). 

Don was a life member of the Guan Ho Ha Fish and Game Club.  He was a longtime communicant of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church and a Scotia Rotarian as well.  He enjoyed spending time with family, friends and especially adored his grandchildren.  

Don is survived by his loving wife of 64 years: Lynn Wayand; his brother, Richard (Gail) Wayand of Galway; children: Michael Wayand of Scotia, Mark Wayand of Port Clinton, OH, David (Lori) Wayand of Glenville, and Thomas (Laura) Wayand of Burnt Hills; grandchildren: Tamara,  Jonathan, Marissa, Brittany, Justin and Andrew; step grandchildren: Scott, Brianne, Jake and Stephanie; great grandchildren: Hannah Jane, Skylar and Finnley.

Don’s family would like to thank the D2 unit at Saratoga Hospital for the outstanding care received.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, September 27th at 9:30 am at St. Joseph’s Church, 231 Second St., Scotia.  Relatives and friends are cordially invited and may also call Thursday from 5-7 pm at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd., Glenville.  A procession with Fireman’s Salute will follow the mass with interment in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Schenectady.

In memory of Donald Wayand, contributions may be made to the Schenectady Firefighter’s Cancer Foundation at 1242 Fourth Ave, Schenectady, NY 12303 or We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym at 9357 Philips Highway #3, Jacksonville, FL 32256 (an organization that supports children with autism).