RICHFIELD SPRINGS - Wayne L. King, 70, a resident of the Town of Richfield, passed away early Wednesday morning, Dec. 15, 2010, with family members by his side.Wayne was born Oct. 18, 1940, on the Canadian border, in Madawaska, Maine.He was the son of William L. and Stella (Melanson) King.When World War II broke out, Wayne's father moved his family to Portland, to work in the shipyards, but after the war they returned north to Berlin, N.H., a logging and paper mill town.Wayne was a member of the Berlin High School class of 1958, and graduated from the University of N.H. in 1965, with a BS in engineering. He attended college while working full time in the General Electric Apprentice Program. That affiliation led to his 41-year career in management with GE.Over the years, Wayne spent time in such varied areas as Ordinance, Pittsfield, Mass.; Communications, Lynchburg, Va.; Small Aircraft Engine, Lynn, Mass.; Flight Propulsion, Everett, Mass.; Gas Turbine, Schenectady; and, finally, Aircraft Engines, Evendale, Ohio, where he was a member of the F-14, or "Top Gun" team.Wayne retired in 1998, and he and his wife, Lani, moved back to New York state where they built their log retirement home overlooking Canadarago Lake. Wanting to "give back" to the area he loved and to the community who so warmly accepted him, Wayne donated his time and services to many Richfield Springs improvement projects including the restoration of the village clock and the revival of Baker's Beach.He also was a member of the Richfield Springs Historical Society, a liaison for the Canadarago Lake Improvement Association to the Richfield Town Board, and eventually ran for, and became, the Richfield Town Supervisor. He loved the area, and the many friends he made in the Richfield community that so warmly welcomed him years ago.He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Elaine (Lani) Elmore King; his daughter, Rebecca King Wiles (Terry) of Cary, N.C., and their children, Kevin and Kelly; son, Bruce W. King (Tricia) of Decatur, Ga., and their children, Jamie Lynn and Alex; and Jane C. King, Niskayuna, mother of his children. He also is survived by stepchildren, Margaret Ray Veerkamp (Jeffrey) of Webster, and their children, Molly and Mark; Stacia Ray Cassale (Anthony) of Duanesburg, and their children, Nicole and Thomas; and John W.N. Ray (Karen) of Chadwicks, and their children, Kelsey, Tyler, Zachary, Allyson and John. A brother, Robert King of Lompoc, Calif., also survives, along with several nieces and nephews.He was predeceased by his parents; brother, William; and sisters, Ola Mary and Arden.It is requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Wayne's name to Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820, or to Friends of Bassett, 1 Atwell Road, Cooperstown, NY l3326.Wayne's family wishes to extend their deepest thanks to the many dedicated professionals who have crossed his path in the recent months. The compassionate care he received from Bassett ICU, the Radiation Department at Bassett, Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., and Dr. Carol Beechy was sincerely appreciated. We wish we could name you all.Calling hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17, 2010, in J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, 40 W. James St., Richfield Springs.