Rev. Wayne E. Leigh

Reverend Wayne Leigh went to be with his Lord and Savior on June 10, 2018, beloved husband, brother, father of 8, grandfather of 31 and great grandfather of 6.  Wayne was born on November 8, 1950 in Seattle, WA to Robert and Marilyn Leigh.  Wayne and Barbara married in January 1969.  Wayne graduated with honors from Calvin College, Westminster and Calvin Seminaries, and was ordained and sent to Japan as a missionary.  There he, Barb, and his children lived and served for 8 years.  Following his service in Japan, Wayne pastored a church in Canada, then church planted in New York and Georgia, then moved to California for his final church home, Evangelical Reformed Church, where he served faithfully and unceasingly for over 20 years. 

Although he was an accomplished orator, spoke five languages fluently, had three masters’ degrees, and was a published author, he chose to serve his church unselfishly. Everyone who knew Wayne, knew that he fiercely loved his Lord, eagerly shared the Word of God to everyone and anyone he could, and never stopped seeking to praise God.  He loved his wife, children and grandchildren with all his heart, and touched so many people across the world with his powerful love for God.  We are greatly comforted to know he is now rejoicing in heaven.  “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.” (II Timothy 4:7-8).  Wayne’s wishes were for a graveside service attended by immediate family only, which his family is honoring.

Wayne was preceded in death by his daughter Kristi Datema.  He is survived by his brother Kris Pope, his sisters, Diane Willardson and Susan Weese; his wife of 49 years, Barbara, and children Rebecca (Jim) Rivers, Mary Leigh, Paul (Stephanie) Leigh, Kathryn (Vince) Ebbitt, Timothy (Marlena) Leigh, Daniel (Nicole) Leigh, and Gregory Leigh. 

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