Remembering Wayne Spring

Remembering Legionnaire Wayne Spring 

December 20, 1931 - September 12, 2025

Post 132 lost one of its most beloved Legionnaires on Friday, September 12, 2025, when Wayne Clifford Spring, a United States Coast Guard veteran and lifelong patriot, transferred to Post Everlasting at the age of 93. Wayne was a fixture at our weekly Friday dinners, never letting the stairs that lead down to the club room slow him down. His presence, his stories, and his infectious spirit brought joy to all who gathered at the Post.

Born in Los Angeles, California, on December 20, 1931, Wayne lived an extraordinary life marked by dedicated service to his country, a brilliant mind, and a warm heart that touched everyone he met. He was known for his playful spirit—like the time he pulled Victor Munoz, 2nd Vice Commander for the Post, to the dance floor when "Stayin' Alive" came on.

Wayne served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1949 to 1955, including during the Korean War, achieving the rank of RM2 (Radioman 2nd Class). His journey began at Cape May Coast Guard Training Center in New Jersey, followed by assignments at Coast Guard Island in Alameda, California, radio school in Groton, Connecticut, search and rescue in Morro Bay, and a posting aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Iroquois in Honolulu, Hawaii. His service continued with time spent in San Francisco and Boston, where he served on the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Newell.

After his honorable military service, Wayne dedicated his career to the U.S. Navy, working on Trident D5 Ohio-class nuclear submarines—the largest ballistic missile submarines ever built by the U.S. As a supervisor overseeing engineers, logistics, and maintenance teams, Wayne reflected humbly on his achievements, stating, "Not bad for a 9th grade education." He retired in 1996 after an impressive 47 years of federal service.

In retirement, Wayne turned his passion for communication into a lifelong pursuit, becoming one of the nation's elite HAM radio operators under the call sign W6IRD. From his home workshop in Orange, where he had resided for over 70 years, he collected, repaired, and restored radios. Wayne was a longtime member and past president of the Southern California DX Club and was widely recognized as an expert on the repair of antique radios, particularly Collins radios.

Wayne was hardworking, loyal, and friendly, with an amazing sense of humor and a gift for storytelling. He was known for his quick wit, his Marine versus Coast Guard banter, and the pride he carried for his service and his family. He was selected as Veteran of the Month for June 2025 by Yorba Linda Hills Neighbors Magazine, an honor that filled him with pride.

Military service ran deep in Wayne's family. His great-grandfather served in the U.S. Army during the Civil War, and his uncle was a chief in the Navy for 35 years. Wayne's three sons—Wayne Jr., Michael, and Richard—all served in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam. Tragically, his middle son Michael passed away from complications related to Agent Orange exposure. A grandson served in Desert Storm, and Wayne was immensely proud that his great-grandson recently joined the Coast Guard as a gunner's mate, continuing the family's tradition of service.

Wayne is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Sharon, his true love and "Honey," whom he married on November 23, 1963, his sons Wayne Jr. and Richard, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and countless friends who considered him family. He was preceded in death by his son Michael and his daughter LoAnne.

Wayne changed our lives. He made us laugh, he made us cry, and he brought joy to everyone around him. Those of us at Post 132 were blessed to call him our friend, our brother Legionnaire, and our inspiration. We'll miss seeing him at Friday dinners, hearing his stories, and feeling the warmth of his proud, sparkling presence. But we'll carry his memory with us always—and someday, we'll see him again. Thank you, Wayne, for your service, your friendship, and your love. You will be forever missed.