Wayne H. Moser

Wayne H. Moser (Dan), 77, of Troy, died peacefully at home Jan. 4, 2019. Dan was surrounded by his family, knowing how very much he was loved.

Dan was born July 15, 1941 to Howard and Beatrice Pearson Moser, Everett, Washington. He grew up outside of Arlington, Washington, (Lakewood) and attended Lakewood grade school and Arlington High school. Dan married the love of his life, Signe Brevik, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on Sept. 7, 1959.

He is survived by his wife, Signe Moser, Troy; daughters Leona Dunn, Hot Springs, Arkansas; Cindy Moser, Tucson, Arizona; and Denise Smith, Marysville, Washington. Dan also leaves behind five grandchildren, Jennifer Corey, Ronnie Wait Jr., Shelly Smith (Chris), Lance Holm and Jay Smith Jr. (Leigh and Anna); and seven great-grandchildren, Timothy Corey, Ayla Wait, Hunter Eaton, Jackson Eaton, Lydia Husby, Jayden Smith and Kristian Smith; and his sister Darlene Misner, Arlington, Washington; and many nieces, nephews and a large extended family. Dan ‘s absence has left a hole in the hearts of many.

Dan enlisted in the U.S. Navy, in May 1968 and was honorably discharged in May 1978. Dan was very proud of serving in the Navy. His first duty station was Bremerton Naval Shipyard where he served on tugs boats. He also was Chief Engineer on Admiral Schultz ‘s Barge, Bremerton. Dan also was stationed in Long Beach, California at the Commissary.

Dan is a Vietnam veteran, where he served with distinction and was awarded several medals including -- but not limited to -- USAF Commendation Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and U.S. Vietnam Service Medal.

After completing an extensive training program in small boat operations, weapon operations, Vietnamese language and survival techniques, he served as gunner’s mate on Swift Boat (PCF 78), attached to Coastal Division 12. Swift boats patrolled the five northernmost provinces in South Vietnam. Swift boats are capable of high speeds in shallow waters and were used in the support of Operation Market Time to stop the infiltration of supplies from North to South Vietnam.

Upon leaving the Navy, Dan and Signe and their three daughters returned to Lakewood (Arlington). Dan worked for Western Gear, Everett; Nicholson Manufacturing Co., Seattle; Flo Drill, Arlington; and WesTech, Lynwood, California.

Dan and Signe enjoyed traveling. On one of their trips, they fell in love with Troy. They sold their Lakewood home, packed their bags, and moved to Troy, where they have called home for the last 20 years on the Kootenai River. Dan loved to spend time in his yard. He especially loved his lawns -- no one had a greener lawn -- and working in his shop and just sitting on the deck watching the river flow by.

Dan belonged to Troy Veterans of Foreign Wars, Swift Boat Sailors Associations, American Legion, Disabled Veterans and Elks.

Memorials will be announced at a later date by: Troy VFW and Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, Washington.