Wayne Lehto

DR. WAYNE K. LEHTO Click here to view a video of Wayne's life IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Dr. Wayne K. Lehto passed peacefully on July 12, 2008, at the Johns Hopkins Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland due to complications after a year long battle with esophageal cancer. He wished it to be known that he was extremely appreciative of his medical care, both in Idaho Falls and in Baltimore. Throughout his illness, he gave great praise and compliments for the compassion and knowledge of his care givers. His final hope and gift was that his experience could help benefit others suffering from similar illnesses. In tribute to these great doctors and researchers, his trip home was delayed so that his medical team might gain insight to help others who might benefit from his experiences. Wayne was born on December 21, 1933, in Kearsarge, Michigan to his loving parents, Waino Arthur Lehto and Sigrid Kutramo Lehto. He was the second of five children. When Wayne was eight years old, his father passed away. Wayne was a great help and support to his mother and family. He graduated from Calumet High School in 1952. During his time in Michigan, Wayne was a member of the Copper Country 1950-51 Junior Championship Hockey Team. He also played for the CLK Radars’ 1952-53 UP Championship team. He played for the Radars from 1951 through 1960, with the exception of two years in the Army. He entered the Army in 1954 and served overseas in Korea. While in Korea, Wayne played on a hockey team with the late Bob Johnson. The team won the Armed Forces Far East Championship. Upon his return from Korea, he enrolled in the Engineering program at Michigan Tech. He received his Doctorate in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Michigan in 1967. Wayne worked at the Nuclear Reactor Test Station in Idaho. Apart from a short tenure at Lowell Institute of Technology in Massachusetts, Wayne continued to prosper and enjoy his work at the Idaho National Laboratory. He was a lifelong member of the American Nuclear Society (ANS) and elected Fellow in 1989, an honor given for his numerous contributions in the field of nuclear science research and engineering. He served as Eastern Idaho Section Chairman of the ANS from 1980 to 1981. Wayne had numerous journal and conference publications. Wayne also taught Nuclear Engineering courses at Michigan Tech and Lowell University; furthermore, he served as an Adjunct Professor at Idaho State University and the University of Idaho. On September 20, 1958, Wayne married his sweetheart, Anna Mae Ninko. They have four children: Dr. Michael (Shelly) Lehto, Jaculin (Chuck) Johnson, Kelly (Mohamed Miftah) Lehto, and Lisbeth (Randy) Mitchell, and eight grandchildren: Christopher and Abby Lehto, Brittney and Chase Johnson, Sukaina and Zakaria Miftah, and Anna and Jesse Mitchell. His family was his pride and joy and he was devoted to all of them and their endeavors. Wayne and Mae were lifelong best friends who enjoyed their time and numerous travels together. Wayne always affectionately called Mae “his bride” during their 49 years and 10 months of marriage. Wayne was dedicated to the Idaho Falls Youth Hockey Association and USA Hockey. He was an active coach for 30 years, Idaho Falls Youth Hockey President for 15 years, and Idaho Amateur Hockey Association (IAHA) President for 12 years. Wayne was IAHA Coaching Director for 8 years, IAHA Chief Referee of 6 years, and USA Hockey Associate Registrar for Idaho for 15 years. In 2005, Wayne was elected as a USA Hockey Director from the Rocky Mountain District. Wayne was instrumental in building the Ice Arena in Idaho Falls, which is now named the Joe Marmo/Wayne Lehto Ice Arena. He most currently was a USA Hockey District Director and served on the Legal and Youth Councils. In 1984, Wayne served as Chairman of the Mayor’s Indoor Pool Committee. The Committee was able to establish a design and manage a successful bond passage for the Wes Deist Aquatic Center. Wayne enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, and white water rafting with his family and friends. He especially loved fishing at Yellowstone Lake during the summers. His passion for the outdoors was passed on to the many family members and friends that his life touched. Last summer, Wayne received the Distinguished Alumni Award presented by Calumet High School-Sacred Heart High School Reunion Association, Inc. The award reads: “Given in recognition of the esteem in which you are held by your friends and classmates for the quality of your character and the generous giving of your time and talents that have enriched your family friends, community, and nation.” Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, his brother John Lehto, and his sister Sara Marks. He is survived by his wife, Mae, his children Michael, Jaculin, Kelly, and Lisbeth and their families, his sister Betty (Guy) Snyder, his brother Paul Lehto, and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 26, 2008, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge, Idaho Falls. The family will visit with friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Military Rites will be performed following the services by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team and the Idaho Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Wayne’s name to: The Idaho Falls Youth Hockey Association-Marmo/Lehto Rink Improvement Fund at P.O. Box 1592, Idaho Falls, ID 83403–1592. --------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Tom and Jackie Knutson knutson5@cableone.net Mike and Shelly, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. We'll get in touch soon. All the Best, Tom & Jackie Knutson Bob and Sue Norris norrisb_s@msn.com Dear Mae and Family, We are so sad to hear of Wayne's death. Our hearts go out to all of you. The funeral for Bob's father is this Thursday and we are leaving within the hour for Toledo. We are not sure when we will be back but our prayers are with you and the family. Love, Bob and Sue Kimberly Boyd Dear Lehto Family - Our family sends deepest condolences on Wayne's passing. His boundless energy and countless contributions to our community have made a siginifcant impact! From techincal contributions at work, a quiet calming hand on the shoulder of a young hockey player with a sound piece of advice, to endless hours of organizational volunteers hours at the local and state level of hockey. We repectfully butted heads at State Hockey Board meetings, but always parted with a smile and handshake. I feel fortunate to have run into Wayne this summer -- swapped a few stories, one more time cuaght the twinkle in his eye, shared a hug. Hopefully the lasting memories of his contributions to so many will help ease the pain at this time. Sincerely - The Boyd Family Teresa Baird To Mike, Shelley, and Family, May God be with you in your time of need. Mike, Take comfort in knowing you are a great man, just like your Dad! Rose Eggers reggers@cityofboise.org With sincere sympathy for your loss, we lost a good friend, mentor and supporter of youth hockey in the state. We will miss Wayne, here at Idaho IceWorld. John Crepeau and Family crepeau@uidaho.edu Dear Lehto Family: Our most sincere condolences to you and all of your family members at this dificult time. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Unfortunately we will be out of town for the funeral so we won't be able to attend, but please know that we will be thinking of all of you. Kyle A. Marks marksk1@verizon.net Dear Aunt Mae, It is very heart breaking to learn of Uncle Wayne's death. Please accept the condolences from all the Indiana relatives (Kim Stevenson, Kyle Marks, Karla Hunt, Kathy Wilson, Kerry Cooley, and Kris Hall & their families) in this most difficult time. It is written in Hebrews 2:14-15; Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. May you have comfort that Gods only son gave his life to free us from the fear of death. John Beers john.beers@hp.com Mr. Lehto was a very special person to me, as he was too many hockey players. I believe he applied his philosophy of "A kid on ice is not in hot water" with me by coaching and encouraging me for over 10 years of youth hockey. He set an exceptional example of community service by flooding the ice every night, and also helped instill some sense of hard work and follow through by allowing me to help himself and his son Mike with this work on our practice nights. He was a great man and I am fortunate to have known him. Please accept our sincere condolences on your loss and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. John Beers and Family Suzanne Kensel You and your families are in my thoughts. Delbert & Nina Hall delh@nwtec.com Dear Mae and family, We were so sorry to hear of Wayne's passing. Please accept our sincere condolences. I very much enjoyed working with Wayne over many years. With warm regards, Delbert & Nina Hall Wendy Winterfeld Robinson wendy.robinson@itd.idaho.gov Binky and family, Dear Binky and family, I am so sorry to hear about your sweet dad. I try to keep up with all of the news and I am heartbroken for you and your family. God Bless each of you and take care, we will keep you in our prayers. Wendy, Casey, Hailey, Matthew and Sadie Robinson Marv & Lois Manninen "Perhaps they are not really stars in the sky...perhaps they're openings in the heavens where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy." Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Al, Dale, and Jenn Loyd jaloyd@comcast.net Dear Mae and Family, You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. It was wonderful meeting you and Wayne back in February at the Johns Hopkins Cancer Center. The friendship that we developed has been a genuine gift to us. Through the many difficult medical challenges Wayne faced, his determination and strength inspired us all. What a true honor to know Wayne and the Lehto family. Our lives have been deeply touched and the memories of Wayne and our friendship will live in our hearts forever. -With our love and great respect, Al, Dale, and Jenn Loyd Hanover, MD Brian Clark and Family bhclark@cableone.net Mike and Shelly, Although I did not play hockey - your Dad helped make it possible for my daughter to play and from that result helped start the girls program. Growing up together it is so hard to realize that the ones we love will soon be gone. I will cherish the times to talk to your Dad and it was a great pleasure to know him. I am so sorry I will not be able to attend his funeral but I will be there in my prayers. Cherish the memories as I know I will and Wayne will always be remembered as one of the Fathers of Idaho Falls Hockey. With Love, the CLARK Family Steve Sides stevelsls@yahoo.com Mike, my sympathy and condolences to you and your family. Youth hockey everywhere will miss your Dad's leadership and frindship. Paula Fackrell doc-elmo@onewest.net Betsy, Thank you for telling me about the video tribute that was available for viewing for your Dad. You were so lucky to have such a wonderful father and I feel very fortunate to have known and worked with him. Our loved ones ALWAYS live on in our hearts! Larry J. Duncan lduncan@ida.net I am very sorry for your loss, Wayne was very much liked at Argonne National Laboratories, where I was proud to work with, and have him as a friend. Dick Hobbins rhobbins@wyoming.com Dear Mae, I was saddened to hear of Wayne's death. I enjoyed many happy hours coaching hockey with Wayne. His dedication to hockey and the young people we coached was extraordinary and made a big difference to the lives of many of those young people and their families. It is fitting that the Ice Arena in Idaho Falls bears his name. I understand that Mike is living in Idaho Falls and working at the INL. That is wonderful! Best wishes to you and your family during this difficult time. Dick Hobbins Connie Julien cjulien7@gmail.com I wanted you to know that Wayne will be missed here in his birthplace in the Copper Country also. Wayne was the kindest man and helped us with our compilation of Copper Country Hockey History. He also provided scans of pictures and stories of his years playing hockey while growing up here which are on the web page along with Wayne's hockey bio. My condolences to Mae and the family. Connie Julien, researcher and webmaster cchockeyhistory.org Carl Baily carlbaily@cableone.net I was so sorry to hear of Wayne's passing. Wayne was a wonderful man, and I always have felt lucky to have known him. He originally hired me into Argonne, and I have always been grateful for his support and advise. He will be missed. Please accept my condolences, and my prayers that you will find comfort in this difficult time. Lanny & Dixie Dick & Family ddick@co.teton.id.us May the love that surrounds you be a source of comfort at this time. No one is ever ready for death. We're so sorry for your loss of such a wonderful father, husband and grandfather. Layman and Kay Lott lalott55@msn.com We were so sorry to hear that you had lost Wayne. Our family has great memories of the softball days with your family. Wayne was a special person, always friendly and always helpful. We know he will be missed greatly by your family and all the people he has crossed paths with over the years. Our best to all of you. Kay and Layman