The West Point experience provides the opportunity to meet many individuals with varying backgrounds, interests, and personalities. Some are unforgettable. Wayne Richard Godfrey II was one of these truly memorable individuals. He brightened every room, lightened every burden, enhanced every discussion, and showed all how to make the most of life. His presence was transformative. He may not have been bigger than life, but he made the most of life—for his family, his friends, and himself. 

Wayne Richard Godfrey II was born in Fort Monmouth Hospital, NJ on July 19, 1950. He was the only child of Wayne and Dorothy Godfrey. His father was an Idaho patriot who proudly served in the U.S. Army for 27 years. The couple’s service to their country spanned three wars: World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. As an Army brat, Wayne’s childhood was not only spent at Army posts across the United States, but also abroad in Japan, Holland, France, Thailand and, finally, Germany, where he graduated from the Frankfurt American High School in 1968.

Wayne always ranked high in academics, being a National Honor Society member and graduating 19th in his senior class. He was also athletic, being a member of the cross country, wrestling, and golf teams. He was active in student politics and widely popular, becoming president of FAHS’s 1,400-member student body, as well as Frankfurt HS dormitory president. He earned a presidential nomination to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

At West Point, Wayne was a member of Company E-2, a close-knit, proud, eclectic group. In the plebe and yearling years, Wayne was often placed with those struggling with French, sitting uncomfortably close to the “ejection seat.” Wayne was there offering aid and encouragement to anyone needing it. He was active in the Military Affairs Club, the Archaeology Seminar, and the Chapel Choir. However, his real passion was war games; he became the co-chairman of the Wargames Committee. In the pre-internet era, he somehow managed several games at once, with competitors not only at West Point but also around the world. In his free time, he loved to play Yahtzee with his friends and roommates and could often be found throwing the Yahtzee dice before or between classes. As a firstie, even though he had never driven a vehicle with a standard transmission, Wayne bought a Corvette and quickly mastered the challenges presented by a clutch and a stick shift. They were just another challenge, and Wayne loved a challenge.

On June 7, 1972, Wayne was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Armor branch and set off on the wedding circuit and graduation leave. His first assignment was at Fort Lewis, WA with the 2nd Battalion, 77th Armor from 1973 to 1976. Afterwards, Wayne transferred to transportation and went to Germany, where he commanded the 503rd Transportation Company. 

One of Wayne’s early “passions” was betting on the horses. While stationed at Fort Lewis he once went to the races with his roommate to show off his “can’t-lose betting system.” Midway through the day, he placed a bet on a “sure thing,” only to have his horse fall coming out of the starting gate. He laughed off the lost wager as a minor inconvenience. That was how Wayne reacted to all unexpected obstacles that hindered him from reaching his goals—shake it off and move on. He had the ability to stay focused on his goals and objectives through thick and thin. It came as no surprise to those close to him that after seven years of active-duty Wayne and his Tacoma-born wife Shirley settled in Albuquerque and started a popular and highly successful gaming establishment they named “Wargames West.”

Making a fortune doing what one loves is truly a gift. Part of Wayne and Shirley’s satisfaction, above and beyond their entrepreneurial success shipping games worldwide, was mentoring the kids who flocked to their warehouse-style establishment to play Wayne and each other. Although without their own children, they became parental role models to many, lifting up many young people needing an identity. They went on to build a second location in Memphis, TN, which became the second largest North American adventure gaming distributor serving and supplying over 1,000 stores.

Although Wayne and Shirley divorced in 1999, they remained close friends. Wayne’s longtime second partner, L’Aura Linda Black, was with him through many good times and then throughout his two-year battle with cancer. Wayne counted L’Aura’s three children and five grandchildren as his own, and they called him “Papa Wayne” and “Bonus Dad,” honorifics of which he was chest-puffingly proud.

His classmates remember a man who always made them smile, laugh, and feel good—one who, in MacArthur’s words, was always able “to create hope when all hope seems forlorn.” Outwardly he could make fun of himself and be outgoing and open. On occasion his sensitivities could momentarily diminish his natural effusiveness, but luckily those moments were more transitory than his natural happiness. Wayne was ready to visit, reacquaint with friends, support his classmates if needed, and, in general, was always there for them if they wanted to be close. When you were Wayne’s friend, you had a friend for life. We will remember Wayne as fun, entertaining, generous, occasionally eccentric, but in all moments a cherished friend. He was a morale builder with a positive attitude. He can now play wargames as long as he wants. Wayne, we all will miss you.