Born and raised in Steeler country, Pittsburgh, Pa., Wayne moved to Rochester, N.Y. after college for a position with General Dynamics. It was here where he met his wife, Rosemary, married and then moved to Scottsdale – seeking a place that never snowed and where he accepted a role with Motorola.
A few years on, he pursued a career in publishing where he helped to frame and cultivate leading-edge technology as a partner of VMEbus Systems. The company evolved beyond magazine publishing and changed their name to OpenSystems Media where he was a partner and CTO until he retired in April 2017.
His hobbies included hiking and riding motorcycles. He was also an avid football (Steelers and Pitt), soccer and hockey (Penguins) fan as well as someone who truly enjoyed his music, mainly classic rock and blues.
Always eager to get involved with the community he was one of the dads who started the youth Fountain Hills soccer program, worked the chains during Falcon football games, was active in helping define the technological offering at the high school and offered himself as tech support to friends and family. Though, many knew him by his sense of humor and deeply rooted pride and love for his family and country.
Early mornings he was often found at Sun Baked Sweet Treats having coffee with friends and putting the world to right.
His eagerness to travel the world was another passion that defined his life; he enjoyed meeting new people, places, histories and cultures – especially the museums of London he frequented while visiting his daughter who lives there. The many trips he took in his life saw him travel across Europe, Latin America, The Caribbean as well as Australia and New Zealand.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at the Vu Café, 14815 E Shea Blvd., Ste. 100, Fountain Hills, AZ on Sunday, Dec. 3 from 2 to 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family has asked for memorials to be made to the Defeat GBM Research Collaborative (defeatgbm.org) or Mayo Clinic’s Neurology Research (mayoclinic.org/life).
Wayne was preceded in death by his father, Andrew Kristoff and grandparents. He is survived by his wife, Rosemary Kristoff; children, Corrine Kristoff and Chad Kristoff; mother, Virginia Kristoff; sister, Karen McIlroy; grandchildren Chase Jordan, Sebastian Kristoff and Haley Kristoff and their mom, Diana Jordan; nephew Vincent White; great niece, Mia White; great nephew, Brady White; aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Wayne will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
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