Wayne Patrick Fulkerson

Wayne Fulkerson, the spouse of The Reverend Peg Morgan, died October 19, 2016, following a stroke.

He was born August 22, 1935 in Portland Oregon to Marie Markstaller and Glenn Fulkerson. His parents, unable to care for him at the time, left him with an aunt and uncle, Selma and George Linville. Three years later, they retrieved him and took him to California, where they entered him in child beauty contests. He often came in second in these contests, but they returned to Portland two years later.

Eventually, his parents separated and his mother remarried. This was a volatile relationship that involved drinking and depression. Wayne often felt responsible to keep his mother from committing suicide. When he graduated from high school, Wayne enlisted in the Navy, and was sent to serve in San Diego CA. After his service ended, he enrolled at San Diego State University, where he met and married Sharilyn Ruth Allan.

Wayne and Sherry remained in San Diego for 15 years and had one son, Mark, before relocating to Redmond WA, where Wayne took a position with Safeco Insurance. He enjoyed his work, investigating clients to verify that they had provided complete information on their applications for coverage, and mentoring many new women auditors. A change in the company’s management drove him to seek better skills in dealing with stress and resolving conflict, which led him to discover Buddhism. When he developed heart health issues, he took an early retirement.

After retiring, Wayne was Sharilyn’s assistant in her accounting business. He also pursued a hobby of successful handicapping of horses, using various computer programs he developed. Sherry and Wayne treasured their dogs and cats; and they loved the diverse wildlife that lived in their backyard, a deep ravine. Sadly, Sherry died of lung cancer in 1999.   

Wayne found new love with Peg Morgan, and they married in 2002. With her, he travelled the world, explored spirituality, loved their poodle Angie, and shared beloved friends.  Together, they experienced a weeklong retreat with Thich Nhat Hahn, the great Vietnamese Buddhist teacher. Wayne learned about the power of community as he integrated into Westside UU Congregation, where Peg served. He sang in the choir, and loved sharing his Buddhist beliefs.  He loved the values that UUs teach our children and supported all that his community stands for.

He is survived by his wife Peg Morgan, her sons Chris and Paul Morgan and families; son Mark Fulkerson and family; cousin Donald Linville and his children. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Gifts may be directed to Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation, (for the Memorial Fund to support children’s, justice, and spiritual growth programs), 7141 California Avenue SW, Seattle WA 98136.