Wayne P. Rish

Wayne P. Rish, 67, of Bucyrus died unexpectedly Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at Bucyrus Community Hospital.

He was born September 28, 1943 in Kenton to the late Paul E. and Donna (March) Rish and raised on the Rish Family Farm in Forest. He graduated from Forest High School in 1961 and attended Ohio University.

Wayne married the former Sandra Collins in Willard on May 21, 1965 and they moved to the Bucyrus area in 1966. He retired from IBM after 35 years of service, having worked in Mansfield and Columbus.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra and two daughters, Stacey Rish of Toledo and Robin (Billy) Johnson of Wheelersburg; two grandchildren, Shelby and Levi Johnson; sister, Nancy (Dave) Grossman of Mount Gilead; sister-in-law, Janice Rish of Forest; nephew, Kyle Grossman; niece, Kara Grossman and a number of cousins.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Ronald.

Wayne loved to serve his fellow man. He was a dedicated member of the Col. Crawford Lions Club since 1975, having served as Club Treasurer since 1980 and as Club President in 1978-79. He was the Zone Chairman from 1998-2000, District Convention Chairman in 1990 and 2000-present. Wayne was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award for Dedicated Humanitarian Services, one of the Lions Club's highest honors. He was also associated with the Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival for over 30 years, serving as Concession Chairman, Queen's Travel Chaperone, Director and Treasurer. His association with the festival led to his involvement as a member of the Ohio Festival and Event Association. He served as the OFEA's Director in 1988 and 1994, Vice President 1989-1990, President 1991-1992 and Honorary Director from 1997-2002. Wayne was serving the final year of his Ohio Governor-appointed term as the OFEA's representative to the Ohio Department of Agriculture's Ride Safety Oversight Committee. His humanitarian and charitable work also continued beyond his life as he gave the gift of organ and tissue donation at death.

While Wayne left the family farm to pursue his career, it always held a special place in his heart. The Rish Family Farm has been in operation for nearly 200 years and is registered as a "Century Farm." He enjoyed camping and traveling and had an extensive John Deere memorabilia collection. He was a dedicated family man and loved his grandchildren very much.

Friends may call Friday, February 11 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus. The Lions Club will hold a tribute service at 8 p.m. The funeral will be in the funeral home on Saturday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Harold Hasenauer officiating and burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to the Col. Crawford Lions Club through the funeral home.



Visitation:

Friday, February 11 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

Wise Funeral Serive



Service:

Lions Club tribute: Friday, Feb. 11 at 8 p.m. Funeral: Saturday, February 12 at 11 a.m.

Wise Funeral Service



Cemetery:

Oakwood Cemetery