Wayne Morris Nash was born on July 1, 1925 to Walter H. and Alta (Chambers) Nash in Red Wing, Minnesota. Wayne attended public schools in Red Wing, graduating in 1943. His love of sports developed in school and at the local YMCA. Summers spent in Chicago, with his father, offered big league baseball and the Chicago Cubs, his lifelong favorite team.
Wayne enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1943, during World War II. Wayne was a radio operator on B-17s and attained the rank of sergeant. He was honorably discharged in 1946.
Wayne attended Winona State Teachers College, earned a B.S. in Physical Education and History; and later earned a Master’s degree at Colorado State Teachers College (UNC) in Greeley, Colorado.
In 1949, Wayne began his career in education, at Maiden Rock, Wisconsin. Wayne’s 36-year career continued in administrative roles as principal and superintendent at small K-12 schools in Colorado. Wayne served the school districts of Idalia, Fleming, Akron and Hugo and finished his career as superintendent in Ouray.
Wayne loved watching students develop from kindergarten to graduation and into adulthood. He was proud of his students and proud of the caliber of teachers in his schools. Wayne served on district and state education committees and boards, always championing the needs and accomplishments of small schools in Colorado.
Left to honor him are his wife Helen, of 71 years; his children Catherine Hursh (Steven Douglass), Stephen (Kathleen) Nash, Brian (Marcie) Nash, and James (Tomoko) Nash; 5 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. Wayne was preceded in death by infant son Paul, his parents, brother Gary Murtinger, and his stepfather Al Murtinger.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Daniel’s Catholic Church at 11 a.m. on June 24. Burial will take place at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Ouray.
