Wayne Lee Thallander
Aug. 10, 1954 - Aug. 19, 2024
Wayne Lee Thallander filled hearts and minds as a high school teacher, basketball coach and beloved friend. A talented photographer, he filled frames with inimitable panache, capturing vibrant sports action shots and the joy of social events. Wayne was a familiar figure on the sidelines of Central Valley sporting events, either taking photos for area publications or encouraging girls basketball players he coached at three different high schools. A dedicated son and brother, his sudden death on Aug. 19 leaves an incalculable void. Wayne was born on Aug. 10, 1954. A native of Grand Forks, North Dakota, he moved to Stockton as a toddler with his family – father Wilfred Lasse Emmanuel, mother Mae Bernice Branvold and brother Mark Alan Thallander.
As a child, Wayne went to John Tyler School and Calvary Tabernacle. His family built a home in the Park Woods neighborhood and Wayne attended John R. Williams School, Lincoln Senior Elementary, Lincoln High School and Lincoln Neighborhood Church. His interest in photography began when he followed in his brother’s footsteps as a staffer for the Lincoln Log, where he was mentored by yearbook advisor Gary Daloyan. Wayne earned his Associate of Arts degree in Communication from San Joaquin Delta College in 1974, followed by his Bachelor of Science in Journalism and English from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1976. He returned to Stockton to pursue his teaching credential at the University of the Pacific, then began his 37-year teaching career. Wayne started at his alma mater before being lured to Tracy High in 1979. He served as advisor of the El Portal yearbook and award-winning Scholar & Athlete newspaper. He was the newspaper advisor for 31 years, taking a break to coach the varsity girls basketball team, which he did from 1982-1991, starting as a co-head coach with Tom Hawkins. In that time, he led the Bulldogs to the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section semifinals. He served as the junior varsity girls basketball team from 1992-98.
Under Wayne’s leadership, the Scholar & Athlete earned 13 consecutive All-American awards from the National Scholastic Press Association between 1991-2004. He also guided the newspaper staff two Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Crown awards. The paper was inducted into the National Scholastic Press Association Hall of Fame in 2002. Wayne’s guidance gave countless students a headstart on professional journalism careers. He left an impression on thousands of English students – some of whom went on to become teachers themselves – before retiring in 2016. For his journalism students, “Mr. T’s” classroom was a second home where he was relied on for his wit, smile and steady presence. Wayne was coaxed back into coaching by lifelong friend and fellow educator Greg Leland, reuniting at Manteca’s Sierra High in 1999. Wayne served as an assistant for girls varsity basketball coach Dan Cunial, winning three league championships in eight years. Wayne took another break from coaching before again joining Leland’s crew, this time at Lathrop High. Wayne was part of Dwayne Davis’ varsity girls basketball staff from 2017-23, claiming three more league titles and making it to the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division III semifinals in 2022. While he never wanted to be the center of attention, Wayne was wonderful at recording moments and promoting others. He loved being behind the camera. His images form professional, collegiate and high school sporting events were frequently featured in the Tracy Press, Manteca Bulletin and yearbooks under the Leonard Photography Studios umbrella. He was just as comfortable shooting at Stanford and Cal football games, the 49ers, Raiders, Giants and A’s as was high school games, homecoming parades and classroom scenes. He volunteered his time shooting for friends and family, often at youth sports events and artistic performances. A generous friend and kind soul, Wayne remembered birthdays by sending greeting cards, attended shows to support musician friends and helped young teachers. He was passionate about education, sharing his love of sports and serving others. He was a counselor, anchor and light for many. Wayne was devoted to his faith and family, caring for his parents late in their lives, as well as his mother’s sister, Aunt Delores “Dodie” Jean Smith. Wayne is survived by his brother Mark of Ogunquit, Maine and Palm Springs, as well as many cousins. In addition to Greg and Debbie Leland, extended family members mourning his passing include Mike Leland of Manteca, Keith Evans of Stockton, Cindy Pettit of Charlotte, N.C., Kelly Jones of Kingsburg, Regan and Tricia Jones of Roseville, Bob and Theresa Behler of Boise, Idaho, and Kristen and Kaedy DeToro of Youngstown,
Ohio.
FINAL RESTING PLACE
Wayne has been laid to rest at Cherokee Memorial Park in Lodi.
SERVICES
A Memorial Service has been planned for Saturday, Nov. 16,2024 at 1 p.m. at
Central United Methodist Church, 3700 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA 95204.
Tax-deductible contributions may be made in Wayne’s name to The Mark
Thallander Foundation at www.markthallanderfoundation.org.
