Wayne Michael Inouye, age 72, passed away at his home in Colorado Springs, Colorado on July 2, 2024, after a long bout with dementia. He was a resident of Colorado Springs for 31 years and formerly a resident of Walnut, California. He was a retired engineer.
Wayne was born on August 5, 1951, to Katsumi Inouye and Toshiko (Suo) Inouye in Los Angeles, California. On April 16, 1988, he married Roxana “Roxy” Schlesinger in Pasadena, California. He was fond of photography and was a gifted freelance photographer. Wayne also enjoyed hiking, camping, target shooting, bicycling, skiing and had an appreciation for nature and the outdoors. He was a devoted father to his 2 sons and was a Cub Scout Pack Leader. Wayne was an animal advocate and loved all animals, but especially dogs. He was a member of the National Rifle Association.
Wayne attended high school at Don Bosco Technical Institute in Rosemead, California and graduated in 1969. He later returned to Don Bosco to teach physical education classes. Wayne attended California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, California, where he received his bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering. He subsequently worked for the Department of Water and Power in Los Angeles, California for several years and eventually returned to school to earn his master’s degree under their auspices. Wayne worked for Teledyne Technologies in El Segundo, California for over 10 years before relocating to Colorado, where he obtained his Department of Defense security clearance. He continued to work for various companies in the engineering and marketing fields for another 25 years, including Honeywell Technology Solutions.
Wayne is survived by his wife, Roxy Inouye; his son, Joseph “Joey” Inouye; brother-in-law, Alan Schlesinger; sister-in-law, Paula Schlesinger; 2 nieces; a nephew; numerous cousins; and his beloved dog, Bobby. He was preceded in death by his father, Katsumi Inouye; his mother, Toshiko Inouye; his father-in-law, Joseph Schlesinger; his mother-in-law, Perla Schlesinger; and a son, Justin Inouye.
Inurnment will be at the Shrine of Remembrance in Colorado Springs, Colorado. A Celebration of Life will take place later in Walnut, California.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Wayne’s name may be made to Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care, 2550 Tenderfoot Hill Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80906, or to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), PO Box 96929, Washington, DC 20090-6929.
Dana Stanley
14 Jul 2024I am very sorry for your loss, but glad Wayne isn’t hurting anymore. Need help with anything please call or text.i will be texting you later this week.
Judy Kossover
14 Jul 2024Dear Roxy, I am so sorry for your loss. May Wayne RIP.
Barbara Jo allgood
14 Jul 2024Wayne was generous with his time and technical engineering expertise when our car had trouble during a visit to Colorado Springs. We appreciated his efforts to assist and guide us in the necessary direction and Waynes concern for our safety . Roxy and Joey may regroup in a stronger way as a result of Wayne’s influence in their life.
Donna
14 Jul 2024Roxy and Joey,
So very sorry for your loss. Prayers for both of you, family and friends.
Donna Baptiste & David Golas
Carol Keepers
15 Jul 2024How sad I am to hear this 😞 I know that years of dementia can be cruel! My thoughts are with you. Especially after our last cruise. Missed meeting wonderful people like you! Praying God will transform your life! 🙏 My husband died late July 3. I gave it to Jesus and am MORE BLESSED NOW THAN I EVER DREAMED! Please accept God’s gift for you and your son ♥️
Glen and Robin Suo
15 Jul 2024Glen and I are so sorry for your loss. Wayne was a quiet presence and the information above showed us a different Wayne with his education and interests, especially involving animals. Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Mike Gaglione
15 Jul 2024Rest in Peace Wayne, you are a good man and will be missed.
Pamela J Burrell
16 Jul 2024My deepest sympathies for your loss Roxy.
Carol Clark
17 Jul 2024I am so sorry for your and Joey’s loss, Roxy. I know it has been a long road. Hang onto the good memories you have, and let everything else go. May the peace of God and the encouragement of friends and family surround you and Joey as you adjust to the absence of Wayne in your lives.
Sincerely,
Carol
Deborah Rubenacker
10 Aug 2024Dear Roxy,
So sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. There are so many happy memories of the way “early years” of having great adventures with Wayne and Glen. Some of the most fun were the Spotlight Car Ralleys and the Treasure Hunts! We even won by finding the treasure – it was in the middle of the desert! We would all go shooting and Wayne loved to take pictures with his amazing cameras. There was lot of laughter and fun!!
Then we all grew up. Until we lost our home in the wild fire, I always had a picture of your boys on the refrigerator. That is what we do with family.
My prayers are with you and your son.
I hope in time, Wayne’s smile, his laughter, his wit, and his heart will bring you a warmth in your heart as you remember a really good man. 💖
Deborah and Glen Sunyich
Amy Enomoto Perez
3 Sep 2024Carlos and I are so sorry for your loss. We will always remember fondly our last visit with you, Wayne and Joey when we were in Colorado Springs a few years ago and we look forward to another time in the future when we can get together for a visit. Apologies that we will miss the Remembrance for Wayne that you and Joey have planned in October but rest assured that we will nonetheless surely be with you in spirit, heart and mind that day. Missing Wayne…RIP.
Gail Mueller
5 Sep 2024I am so sorry for you loss. Hoping the good memories will sustain you during such a difficult time.