Wayne Mesplie

Wayne “Butch” Lee Mesplie 77 of Wapato passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and children by his side. He was born April 6, 1946, in Nespelem, WA to Eddie & Vera Mesplie. He was an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation Tribe. He attended and graduated in the Class of 1964 from Wapato High School. He then attended Yakima Valley College in the fall of 1964 where he played football. He then attended the Tacoma Vocational Technical School in Tacoma, WA in March 1966 graduating with a Welding Degree. He worked in the Shipyard’s in Tacoma prior to him being drafted to serve in the United States Army from 1966-1968. He served in the 1st Calvary Division as a Sergeant in Vietnam receiving several medals of honor for his service. He belonged to the Iron Workers Union working in Hanford and Satsop for several years taking his family on many adventures during this time. He then ended his career of 33 years at the Wapato Irrigation Project as an Equipment Operator in 2012. He met the love of his life NayDean Scott. They were happily married for 53 years raising 3 children. His greatest accomplishments were his family. He worked hard to provide a great life for his family. During his years of working as an Ironworker he didn’t want to live by himself traveling to different job sites; so, he bought a trailer and took his family with him on the road. His family had many adventures traveling from job site to job site across the state. He taught his children many things but to always be a hard worker in life. He shared his love of the mountains with his family camping in the closed area of the reservation, fishing, hunting, and picking huckleberries. He loved to go to the Columbia River and fish. Even during the last hours of his life, we talked to him about all the fish he caught, and he said Let’s go. Dad loved the outdoors; he was never one to sit in the house he was on the road taking drives. He would tell mom he was going for a drive he could end up down on the Columbia River, Portland, or Seattle at a fishing store. He would tell mom I need this fishing lure or this net even though he didn’t need it. As a family, it wasn’t uncommon for him to come home from work and tell us load up we are heading to the mountains just to put a hotdog in the fire for dinner. Dad and Mom started in their dating years going to all the Wapato games. They would tell us about attending the basketball games in 1970’s and they continued going even after their kids grew up and graduated. He loved sports, going and watching his kids and grandkids gave him the greatest joy. After he retired, he looked forward to the family vacation in Montana where he got to fish some lakes and catch a few Montana fish. His last long road trip he took was a 7-day road trip to St. Roberts, Mo to see his oldest granddaughter graduate from basic training in the United States Army. He was proud of all his grandkids they gave him so much joy and having the family around made him feel happy and at peace. He would sit back and watch his family in his chair not saying much but he would smile every now with a chuckle. Dad said he lived a great life; but he was ready go on his next adventure. He so looked forward to seeing his Dad who he had not seen in almost 59 years. Wayne is survived by his loving wife NayDean, his 3 children Donnelle (Mike) Brumley, Shelley (Sheldon) Howell, Keith (Karla) Mesplie and 5 grandchildren Gavin (Bailey) Brumley, Logan and Corey Howell, Daniela & Joey Mesplie. He is preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters Gladys Herrera & Vera Condon and 1 brother Darrell Mesplie. Dad will truly be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him. He was a tough strong private man who lived is life with honor. He gave to his family selflessly his entire life. As our hearts ache during this difficult time, it brings us comfort knowing that he is smiling down on us and walking with all his loved ones. We respectfully grant Dad’s wishes, graveyard service, on Tuesday, June 13th, 2023 at the Wapato Reservation Community Memorial Park at 10 a.m. Special thanks to Dr. Rex Quempts, Robyn John, Toppenish Hospital Dr. Raul Garcia and nurse Jennifer, and Heartlinks Hospice especially his nurse Samantha. These healthcare providers were special to dad and his family. Thank you all. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Wayne Mesplie, please visit our flower store.