Wayne Thomas Cromwell, 55, died peacefully July 1 at his home with his family at his side. He was born Jan. 11, 1954 in Baltimore, Md., the son of Anna Angeline (Riley) and Rufus Chester Cromwell, Jr.

As a young boy Wayne and his family moved to Alaska and he graduated from Chugiak High School. Wayne worked for 12 years as the director of maintenance at the Wasilla Area Senior Center.

He loved his job because of the people he worked with and in turn they thought highly of him. Wayne enjoyed many hobbies including gardening, building and restoring old cars; but mostly he enjoyed spending time with his family. Wayne took the role of father and mentor to the many children he welcomed into his home over the years. To his children, he was their hero. He is survived by his wife, Susan Cromwell; parents, Rufus and Anna Cromwell of Anchorage; daughter, Jolleen Coleman and Ross of Wasilla; son, Jeremy Cromwell and Beth of Wasilla; son, Jonathan Boyles and Paula of Chugiak; son, Colin Kimball of Wasilla; son, Kale Kimball of Wasilla; granddaughters, Tessona and Angelina Coleman, Samantha and Sadee Cromwell, Hailey and Jocalyn Boyles; brothers, R.C. Cromwell and Annie of Anchorage and Byron Cromwell and Judy of Indiana; sisters, Cindy Sterns and Dan of Eagle River and Merryhelen Peissig and Don of Anchorage; former wife and dear friend, Ramona Housley of Chugiak; many nieces and nephews; and close friends, Jay, Terry and Diane.

His mother expressed, “His quiet personality was a calming influence on the entire family and he left us too soon.”

Wayne was able to spend his final days at home due to the phenomenal efforts of the staff at Amedisys Hospice Services, especially Jeff.

Wayne’s family extends their deepest gratitude to the hospice staff and would like memorial donations to be made to Amedisys Hospice Services, 3909 Arctic Blvd., Suite 102, Anchorage, AK 99503, in hopes another family can benefit as they have.