Wayne Allen Sundberg

Wayne Allen Sundberg died peacefully at home in Friday Harbor, Washington, on October 2nd, 2026, at the age of 68.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Kat Sundberg; son, Eric Sundberg; granddaughter, Makayla Sundberg; great-grandson, Casey Niedorf; niece, Amy Lewis; great-nephews, Elliot and Evan Lewis.

Born in 1958 and raised by his parents, Allen and Colleen Sundberg, on a 10-acre homestead in Milford Michigan, he developed a lifelong love of family, animals, music, and adventure. His Aunt Cheryl Collyer was his favorite baby-sitter and his Uncle Brian Collyer, only 5 weeks older, was like a brother.

A frustrated rock star and a self taught guitarist and pianist; Wayne could play any song he heard. He had a deep appreciation for rock music of the 70’s and 80’s. He had the voice of a radio announcer, strong and clear, and was known to be caught singing randomly.

Wayne followed his family to Hawaii, but shortly after moved to the Seattle area in the 70’s, as a merchant mariner sailing with NOAA. He was a mariner through and through, who worked his way up the career ladder in the maritime industry. Wayne was a deckhand, a mate, a vice president, president and, lastly, a founding partner and owner of an oil transportation company.

Early retirement gave him time to play golf and take out his boat, the Nani Kai. He built his dream home on Bainbridge Island and then dreamt of building a farm to raise horses and dwarf goats. That is what brought him to San Juan Island.

He was a collector of his favorite things: guitars, art, cowboy hats, motorcycles, and shoes. When given a choice he often chose both. If one was good, two were better.

Never one to tell a lie, Wayne was occasionally a bit reckless with the truth for the sake of a story. He was intelligent and wise; He had an uncanny habit of being annoyingly right 90% of the time. He was fiercely loyal, and expected the same in return. He was generous with his friends. He was a defender of the weak. He tipped well, some times unexpectedly well.

A magnetic personality, quick with a quip, he laughed his way through life—and took everyone around him along for the ride. Wayne lived big and laughed out loud.

He loved his mother and father, may they rest in peace. He loved his wife.

Wayne fought cancer four times, always optimistic in his prognosis. All four times he was treated at the UW Medical center in conjunction with the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and Fred Hutch. He reminded his caregivers that he had been a cancer patient for over 40 years, his first diagnosis in 1985 and his last in 2026.

Shine on you crazy diamond...

If you feel that a donation is appropriate to remember Wayne please consider the NW Maritime Center at nwmaritime.org or UW Medical Center at give.uwmedicine.org

To share memories of Wayne, please visit his online memorial at www.evanschapel.com