Wayne Russell Booth (74) was born in New Westminster, British Columbia on September 18,1949 and passed away after a short illness, at his home in Athol, Idaho on April 10, 2024.  Wayne became a naturalized citizen in 1951 when his family moved from Canada to the Los Angeles area. While in Southern California, Wayne apprenticed under general contractor James N. Beck and from there began his painting career, where he was proud to have worked on many homes in Beverely Hills.
In the 1970’s, Wayne moved to the panhandle of North Idaho where he continued to work as a contract painter. Wayne was also an expert upholsterer and for a short time owned his own shop where he specialized in reupholstering, repairing and even reproducing antique furniture. An artist at heart, Wayne dabbled in drawing, poetry, welding, and became very skilled at woodworking.
Wayne also loved motorcycles and was still riding his Harley just three short years before his passing. Many of his favorite memories were of rebuilding and restoring Harleys and hot rods and it’s entirely fitting that his last conversation was with his mentor, brother-in-law, and dear friend Dan Shepard Sr. and son, about the subject.
For a time, Wayne was a free spirit who traveled the entire continental United States, lived in multiple places, and at one point found himself on staff at a Christian men’s home in Texas, where he developed and ran a bicycle outreach ministry for impoverished children. He shared so many colorful stories about his adventures and he loved his time in the ministry.Â
We truly hope that everyone who knew and loved him can take solace in the fact that he was living his life, independently, uniquely his way, until just before his short illness and passing.
Wayne is preceded in death by his father, James Gordon Booth, his mother, Agnes Joan (Herda) Booth, his eldest sister Doreen Shepard, and his great grandchild Aiden Booth. He leaves behind a brother James Booth Jr. and wife Renee, sister, Jodi Bland and husband Bob, son, Jason Booth, daughters, Roxanne Chase and husband Reed, Ashley Cooper and husband James, and Lisa McNerney and husband Anthony. He had multiple beloved nieces and nephews. He was incredibly proud of all his grandchildren, Jacob, Leia, and Logan Booth, Hayven Chase, Kayley and Carson Cooper and two great grandchildren Melinda and Alexander Booth.
Wayne did not want a traditional funeral service. Instead, a small family gathering to celebrate his life will be scheduled at a future date.