Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Samuel Wayne Vinyard, 79, passed away suddenly on April 19, 2026, in Glenwood, Washington. Wayne was born in Jackson, Missouri, with his brother Max, sister Mary and cousins Harry and Terry. Later he earned a degree in forestry from Northern Arizona University. He spent more than four decades caring for the forests in the Glenwood area, a place he loved deeply. You could find him with the fresh scent of pine, dust from roads and a warm smile.
What mattered most to Wayne was never his work but his family and the people around him. At the center of that love was his wife, Jeannina, the other half of his heartbeat. Together, they built a life marked by deep devotion, faith, and family. Their partnership was steady and strong, a quiet example of love lived out daily.
Wayne was intentional in every interaction, never missing a chance to say, “I love you,” or to gather those near him into a prayer huddle. He had a rare gift of slowing down, looking people in the eye, and making them feel seen and valued. He didn’t just listen, he truly wanted to hear your story. Time with Wayne felt different ... more present, more meaningful.
He was known for his generous spirit, his warmth, his sincerity, and his fierce loyalty. He loved adventure, especially when it meant being with his family. He always had a suitcase ready, eager to get on a plane and be wherever the people he loved most were gathered. His presence brought people together, and his life was marked by connection, consistency, and love.
Wayne is survived by his beloved wife, Jeannina (Nina) Vinyard, and his children, Bob and Valarie Vinyard (Skylar, Ryan, Lily, Tommy), Joy and Scott Roberts (Sterling, Brandon), and Steve and Samantha Vinyard (Wes, Aidan). He was preceded in death by his son, Robert Vinyard (Carrie) (2010). He leaves behind a legacy of deep love that lives on in his family.
His faith in Christ was an anchor for his life and his family. He lived with a quiet confidence in God, and that faith shaped the way he loved others with humility, grace, and consistency.
Please join us in celebrating Wayne’s life on Wednesday, April 29 3 p.m. at the Glenwood School, followed by a community meal, also at Glenwood School.
Wayne’s life was a reflection of steady love, intentional presence, and unwavering faith. He had a way of making people feel like they mattered ... and that may be the greatest legacy he leaves behind.
Columbia Gorge News, April 29, 2026
To plant a tree in memory of Samuel Vinyard as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,
racist or sexually-oriented language. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another
person will not be tolerated. Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone
or anything. Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism
that is degrading to another person. Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on
each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness
accounts, the history behind an article.
(0) entries
Sign the guestbook.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.