Wayne Lee Voorhes
May 19, 1947 - August 3, 2024
Our Beloved Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle, Grandfather, Friend, and Coach, Wayne Voorhes, passed away on August 3, 2024. Wayne was born on May 19, 1947, in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, to Lloyd Voorhes and Willetta Welsh. He served his country from 1968 to 1969 in Korea. Upon his return home, he met and married Patricia O’Malley on February 5th, 1971, and they spent the last 53 years together. In 1980, Wayne and his family moved from Campbell, CA, to Sandy, UT, when he was transferred with a promotion from Kraft Foods.
Wayne founded the Sandy Region 354 of the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) in 1983 and became the Regional Commissioner. He eventually went on to become the Area Director of AYSO for the State of Utah. Wayne started the Judge Memorial Catholic High School Girls Soccer Program in 1987 and was the Head Coach for 19 years. Upon starting the Judge Ladies Program, he also joined Impact United SC as a coach and would remain a part of the organization throughout his life. Wayne had several accomplishments throughout his time coaching that he was extremely proud of. These included traveling to Europe and winning the Holland Cup and Italy Cup, consecutive State Championships in 2002 and 2003, and being recognized as 3A Coach of the Year. Wayne had an unmatched passion for the game of soccer and coached and mentored countless players throughout his tenure.
In 1990, Wayne started his own business and became a Little Debbie’s distributor. We have many fond memories of him bringing the Little Debbie truck to the soccer fields or over to his grandchildren’s homes and letting the kids raid the truck for free treats. Ever the conversationalist, and never one to sit still, Wayne started driving Lyft after he retired from grocery sales.
When he was not spending time with his family or coaching, Wayne enjoyed golf and was known to have near-perfect bowling scores. Wayne was a Steelers turned 49ers fan and attended multiple Superbowls. He always cherished attending a Superbowl with his father-in-law, a lifelong 49ers fan. We will miss his impromptu, early morning drop-ins for coffee, dry sense of humor, “Wayneisms” on and off the field, and generous spirit.
Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd Voorhes and Willetta Welsh, in-laws Joseph & Barbara O’Malley, sister Glenna Loysen, sister-in-law Diane Voorhes, brother-in-law Thomas O’Malley, sister-in-law Susan Thomas, nephews Steve Voorhes and Shawn Voorhes, and grandson Andrew Garcia.
Wayne is survived by his wife Patricia Voorhes, daughters Leigh Anne Garcia (Geof) and Heather Seay (James), brother “Butch” Lloyd Voorhes, nephew Scott Voorhes (Christine), niece Sherry Jansen (Ron), granddaughters Sammie Garcia, Cali Seay, Emma Garcia, Abby Seay, and Jasmine Seay, and by many nieces, nephews, and friends.
A vigil and rosary service will be on Friday, August 9, 2024 at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, 1385 East Spring Lane, Salt Lake City, Utah. The rosary will begin at 6:00 with vigil prayers to follow and a visitation afterwards. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made In Memory of Wayne to his grandson’s memorial foundation, the Andrew Garcia Memorial Foundation.
In Loving Memory
Dear Pat and family, We are very sorry to hear about Wayne's passing and your family's sad loss. Wayne was an important figure in our family and we are proud and happy that we could assist him for several years of Judge Women's Soccer and also share in the travel and glory of those wins abroad and two state championships at home. We are grateful for the relationships we had with him and for all he did for us, including both serious and funny stories. Our hearts and thoughts are with you and your family and wish you peace and comfort in the days ahead. Blessings and love, Erin and Rob Bowers and family
Erin Bowers
Salt Lake City, UT
Dear Pat and family, Our deepest condolences go out to you and your family. We were saddened to hear of Wayne's passing. Wayne was a wonderful coach and mentor to our daughter Jenn during her years at Judge. She too was saddened to hear of his passing. She said, "He was the best" and we wholeheartedly agreed. May you take comfort in knowing that he positively influenced many lives over the years as Coach Voorhes. God Bless, Marie and John Pentesco Minden, Ontario, Canada
Marie Pentesco
Minden, Ontario Canada, nan
Dear Pat, Leigh Anne, Heather and Family- Denny and I were so upset to hear of Wayne's passing, we are so sorry. We are praying for him and for all of you during this tough and sad time. The only thing that warms our hearts is that he and Andrew are kicking that soccer ball back and forth to each other in the best setting ever! All our love and prayers, Danielle and Denny Bryant
Albert D Bryant
Fredericksburg, VA
Dear Pat and family, Wayne was a unique and outstanding man. His years as a coach at Judge were a great gift to the players, their families and the entire Judge family. He contributed a great deal. I am grateful for the opportunities I had to work with him. His impact will be felt for many years. You are in thoughts and prayers in a special way. Know that I wish I could be there at St. Vincent. Thank you, Wayne, for your good example and your many kindnesses.
Fr. John. E. Norman
Las Cruces, NM
Pat and family!!! So much love coming your way! Our hearts are with at this difficult time and always!!! Your family has always been so special to us!!!
Pat and terri
Sandy, Ut
Dear Vorhees Family my deepest sympathies at Wayne's passing. He was one of a kind pioneering soccer group from nothing to an accepted game i appreciated his help and willingness to take on so many things keeping a great place for youth
Dianna Doty
Riverton, UT