of Mountain Home, AR
February 16, 1946 - May 4, 2024
Wayne Betham, a man of boundless creativity, profound wisdom and unwavering love, passed away peacefully on May 4th at the age of 78. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and uplift generations to come.
Born in Auckland, New Zealand in 1946, Wayne's life was marked by a spirit of adventure and a passion for creativity. His adventurous spirit led him to travel far and wide, gaining experiences, friendships and stories that would shape a full and remarkable life.
With his love for guns and the Wild West, Wayne was considered by some of his younger family members as the ''OG'' cowboy-old school except for the fact that his love and humorous spirit were timeless. Loving the upbeat and sunny side of life, epitomized by his preference for yellow, he was always up for a bit of fun. He enjoyed playing everything from the guitar, mandolin and ukulele, to canasta and family card games.
He was beyond just a ''fix absolutely anything'' type of mechanic; he was a classic car restoration artist and could resurrect any pile of ancient rust into a top-of-the-line racer, a machine of awestriking beauty and body-jolting horsepower.
In his full life, he was an international entrepreneur, songwriter, jokester and author. He will be remembered especially for his faith and spiritual inspiration, coming through his singing, writing and unselfish deeds, always resonating with those around him.
His fun biographical book, Patchwork Memories, captured some of his escapades and captures all the true elements of the human spirit. His words, filled with both humor and insight, touch the hearts and minds of his friends, family and community-as well as readers worldwide.
His faith inspired him to make the world a better place. He was always generous and would go to any length to ensure that someone else had their needs taken care of-whether giving his last dollar to the hungry, giving of his resources to single parents in need, or as a prayer warrior, simply praying with a downtrodden or discouraged stranger in need. He sought to be the blessing he wished to see in the world.
Wayne gave so much and was so much, but above all else, Wayne cherished his family and his role as a father and grandfather. He leaves behind three cherished children: Shad Betham, Heather Buck and Matthew Betham; as well as seven grandchildren, Riley, Haley, Nate, Morgan, Adam, Bethany and David. His family was the cornerstone of his life and he poured his love and wisdom into each and every one of its members. Wayne's presence will be deeply missed, but his love and legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and all who knew him.
Wayne Betham will continue to guide and inspire us, reminding us to embrace life's journey with courage, curiosity and compassion. The world was a better place with Wayne in it, and it will still be a better place as we embrace the legacy of inspiration that he leaves behind.
Forever remembered, forever cherished, Wayne Betham will remain in our hearts always. May his memory always be a blessing, and may the heavenly Comforter be close to all who loved him and mourn his passing.
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17 Condolence(s)
Jim Anderson
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
There are no words to describe my surprise at Wayne's passing. He will be sorely missed by many, and was an incredibly wise and kind person. I'm thankful for the few times I was able to talk cars and airplanes with him, just truly a blessing to so many!
Michelle Betham Bartel
Friday, May 17, 2024
All my love to you, Uncle "Untoo" Wayne, until we meet again.
Ahava Dearaza
Friday, May 10, 2024
May God comfort your family & may your memory be for an eternal blessing.
Cheryl Ozols
Thursday, May 9, 2024
Condolences to Wayne’s family. I was very saddened and shocked to learn of Wayne’s tragic and untimely death. I enjoyed knowing him as a fellow church member and working with him in church and community activities. He will be missed.
Ian Dalton
Thursday, May 9, 2024
Being one of the three boy cousins which were Wayne Nils & me. We had lots of fun at the Betham home at 20 Phylis St, in Mt. Albert. This all came to an abrupt halt when Uncle Hector &. Auntie Luise took the family to live in California. We managed a few trips through the years with the last one catching up with Wayne in Arkansas meeting Dorothy and his sister Maureen was still alive at that stage. I managed from time to time to talk to Wayne on Messenger and will miss not being able to have these chats. Our deepest sympathies, thoughts & prayers go out to all the family. Ian & Sandra Dalton
Dulcie Betham
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
I am heartbroken
Shirlane West
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
I’ve lost a very dear friend and prayer partner. It wasn’t hard to bond a friendship with Wayne and his sisters, Maureen and Dulcie. Glad I told him how much I appreciated him praying for my son, Tommy. He would ask about him too, each time I saw him. I lost Tommy in an accident April 6th; and, now, Wayne May 4th. So close. I’m proud to admit because of people like Wayne, I learned that my son had built a one on one relationship with our Lord and Savior. This is the most powerful friendship any of us can share. Praise God. So much love. And, so much comfort. Thank You Jesus. We have memories to hold on to forever. Shirlane
Rick and Rachel Beals
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
I love you Uncle Wayne!
Nils.Person.
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Tofa soifua Wayne, very fond childhood memories of Phylis St. Mt.Albert, us 3, you, me & Ian together, the 3 musketeers, ( cousins) condolences to your family,& all Ainga, deepest sympathy.
Kind regards
Nils & Sandy Person.
Heftsibah “Jen”
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
There was only one Uncle Wayne. I’ve tried to describe him with all the words in the obituary, but I still haven’t nearly touched the reality of all the man he was. I’m just grateful to have been his niece and to have & cherish the memories of him that I have.
Ainslie Matthew
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
As memories linger in my mind, I rehearse all the moments I saw Uncle Wayne interested in others. He always seemed to have an invested interest in how their life were playing out. All their details mattered to him. He followed up. He showed up. He emotionally supported. He opened his heart, his arms, his wallet. However he could champion someone on their journey. He was eternally faithful, devoted, engaged, and loving. What a wonderful uncle! He is missed and I will think of him fondly until we meet again.
Austin Bahr
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Even though I barely knew him, he was such a blessing to be around. The feedback that he gave when we gathered around to study the Bible, made me see the scriptures in a way that inspired me to examine it more closely. His stories about his life was so cool. I pray that those that knew him will want that same relationship with God that he had.
Louise Rosson
Monday, May 6, 2024
I enjoyed the children's stories he told at church on Sabbath. He had kind smile for all. God Bless him and his family.
Janet Sadler
Monday, May 6, 2024
You could call Wayne anytime and he would pray with you. He cared about people. He prayed with people in the middle of Wal-Mart. He always had something good to say about others. God blessed him him a beautiful talent. He will be missed.
David Rauh
Monday, May 6, 2024
Wayne was a TRUE Prayer Warrior. He always had inspiring stories about random encounters with people who had commented on his Prayer Warrior shirt. When we started a Prayer Warrior group here in northwestern Ohio, he sent me one of his shirts, and words of encouragement. I will wear that shirt in his memory this coming Sabbath morning for church services.
Never an unkind word, but always joy and laughter, and a huge heart full of compassion and love for everyone he met. He will be greatly missed.
Phyllis Rauh
Monday, May 6, 2024
Wayne will always be remember by me as a Prayer Warrior. He was always available to pray with or for someone. We occasionally ran into him at Walmart. He loved to go there to pray with or for people or employees as he went through the store with his Prayer Warrior shirt on. Wayne also loved to tell stories. He had many to tell and even wrote a book about his adventures growing up in California . What a great book that was! He also loved to tell the children's stories at church. What a delight to witness his love to share and encourage.
May he rest in peace until the Resurrection.
Lesa Bendler
Sunday, May 5, 2024
Wayne's zeal for the Lord was contagious. His prayer ministry was a teacher for us all - to reach out to those hurting in a moments notice to petition the Lord when asked. Giving of yourself to our youth in teaching and stories left a lasting heritage. You will be greatly missed by all. Rest now till we meet again.