Wayne William Gaskins

Published 9:58 am Monday, December 18, 2017

March 11, 1924 – December 2, 2017

Wayne Gaskins was born March 11, 1924, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Ralph and Fleeta (Mabbit) Gaskins. He graduated from Ben Davis High School, and attended Michigan State College for undergraduate and graduate studies, receiving a Master of Science in forestry.

In 1956, he accepted a two-year position in Medellin, Colombia, to assist in re-establishing the College of Forestry at their university. Working closely with his Columbian counterpart, Dr. Ruiz Landa, they revised the school’s programs, actively recruited students, developed scholarship assistance, and hired a new teaching staff. Having successfully completed this significant project, Wayne settled in Oregon permanently in 1959, where he accepted a temporary position at Western Forest Industries Association. He remained there until his retirement in 1992, stepping down as vice-president.

A year after moving to the pacific northwest, he married Beverly Withycombe Cuffel and became step-father to her two young children, Curtis and Stephen Cuffel. The couple lived in southwest Portland for more than 30 years, and after retirement they moved to central Oregon.

An outdoorsman, Wayne enjoyed deer and duck hunting – he would bring his beloved golden retrievers whenever possible. In later years he made yearly trips to Fireweed Lodge, his favorite fishing lodge on Prince of Wales Island, Alaska.

He was always thrilled to share these experiences with family and friends by inviting them along on his adventures. In his later years, he was a dedicated bridge player, football fan, and kept apprised of the stock market and politics. He was a loving and dedicated man to his family and friends and trusted sounding board for business and financial advice well into his nineties. His booming voice and imposing stature belied his good natured personality and most remarks came with an implied wink.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly Withycombe Cuffel Gaskins; stepsons, Curtis Cuffel (Barbara) and Stephen Cuffel (Maraed Walsh); grandchildren, Allison Cuffel (Wyatt Norris), Christopher Cuffel (Amber), Catherine Cuffel; and great-grandchildren, Tegan and Adric Cuffel.

At his request there will be no public service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wayne and Beverly Gaskins Leading Edge Scholarship, Oregon State University-Cascades, 2600 NW College Way, Bend, OR 97701.