John 'Wayne' Laabs, 79

John “Wayne” Laabs, 79, of Spokane Valley, Wash., passed away Feb. 5, 2016, at Hospice of Spokane. He was raised in Hayden Lake, Idaho, and attended school there.

He served in the Air Force for eight years, during which time he married Joan Seidl and had four children. They later divorced and he was married to his wife, Karen, of 42 years in 1974. He retired from Kaiser Aluminum after 30 years in 1996. He enjoyed watching westerns, hunting, fishing and frequenting yard sales in his leisure time. He was always very mechanically inclined, and enjoyed being the repair man for his family and friends. He was also an avid Seattle Seahawks fan.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Donald Laabs and Jennie Migota; his sister, Betty Fencl; his oldest daughter, Peggy Benson and grandson Mark Benson.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; his sons, Rick and Randy Laabs; daughter Patty Tobler and stepdaughter Kelly Purcell, all of Spokane. He is also survived by his brother, Mike Laabs and two sisters, Donna Thorp and Terry McDonald. He had five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held from 4-7 p.m. on his birthday, Feb. 17, 2016, at the Steel Workers Union Hall, 14075 E. Trent, Spokane Valley.