Obituary of Wayne Robert Weikel

Wayne Robert Weikel, of Troutville, who always dreamed of flying like a bird, took wing to join the spirit in the sky on May 9, 2016. He was born December 5, 1952, to O.D. Weikel and Phyllis Weikel Sandridge of Waynesboro VA. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents as well as baby brother, Van, and older brother, Warren. He is survived by his loving wife, Anita, three children and their families, Trecy and Martha Kent and grandsons Page and Jackson of Cleveland, GA, Ethan and Marielle Weikel and granddaughters Allana and Carolina, and grandson Liam of Catonsville, MD, and Serena and Jason Atkins, of Roanoke. He will be sadly missed by brother, Tim and sister-in-law Cindy Weikel along with nephews Eli and Zach of Clifton Forge, as well as Jefferson and Audrey Weikel of Pflugerville, TX and Nicholas Weikel of Seattle, WA. He will also be missed by loving sisters-in-law, Jean LaMastra of Waynesboro, VA and Diana Snyder of Stephens City, VA and their families, including six nieces and nephews, three great nephews, and one brand new great niece. Wayne loved his family, his country, the land, and music. He graduated from Wilson Memorial High School in Augusta County, June 1971. In September, he joined the Brethren Volunteer Service as a conscientious objector, performing community service from 1971 to 1973. During that time, apart from BVS, he participated in non-violent protest demonstrations against the war. He continued to passionately support peaceful efforts and policies throughout his life. With his love of the land and natural resources, he began a career in water and wastewater management in 1973, which continued through 2004. While working for Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project, he helped to test, develop, and secure adequate water and wastewater services for rural and low-income areas. He developed a Wellhead Protection Program for Fincastle, one of VA’s first, and served on many EPA and VDH committees on groundwater protection. In 1992, he spearheaded a community action movement to address environmental concerns regarding plans to burn hazardous waste locally. The group, Valley Concerned Citizens, worked together through 1995 when success was achieved in bringing a close to those plans. In 2001, Wayne’s love of music led him to act on his lifelong dream opening Catawba Records, which became Catawba Sound Studio. Over the years he has recorded, mixed, and mastered over 1700 pieces of work spanning a variety of genres performed by talented local musicians, as well as artists from as far away as Uganda. His talents also included graphic arts design work for CDs. With the help of his good friend, Dewey Peters, and a few others, he became proficient in providing professional sound services for concerts, festivals, and other venues near and far, both indoor and out. This afforded him the opportunity to work with many well-known artists, including Bluegrass greats Ralph Stanley and Tony Rice, as well as Junior Sisk and the All Stars, and Country Music chart topper, Matt Ramsey of Old Dominion, whose first CD was produced by Catawba Records. Wayne and his music will be sadly missed by many a musician and friend. A visitation and celebration of Wayne’s life for family and friends will be held at Simpson Funeral Home, Roanoke, VA on Saturday, May 14, 2016 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to Good Samaritan Hospice, 2408 Electric Road, Roanoke, VA 24018, to honor and facilitate the great work of these angels. Peace and love from the Catawba Tropics!