West St. Paul - 82, died peacefully, surrounded by family and friends on December 20, 2025.

Wayland was a man of extraordinary integrity, a long-time public servant whose dedication to improving the lives of Minnesota's children made the vulnerable more secure, and a man deeply committed to the family and friends he loved. He traveled with enthusiasm, dedicated countless hours to golf, and submitted with grace to the unique tortures of Vikings fandom. Throughout his life he was very politically engaged and in his final years he did everything in his power to defend the rights and liberties of his fellow citizens. He loved his dog, Barley, and Barley loved him. He had a wonderful laugh.

Raised in Palatine, Illinois, Wayland graduated high school as one of the "Senior Smoothies." He was a walk-on starter for the University of Colorado football team before graduating from the University of Washington. Wayland served his country as a veteran of the Vietnam War. Southeast Asia captured his heart and upon discharge he returned to spend several years as a teacher in Laos with International Volunteer Services, an experience that profoundly impacted his world view and produced a lifetime of stories.

Eventually, Wayland settled in Minneapolis, where he met and married Maureen. Their family became the center of his life. In time, he earned an MBA from St. Thomas and went on to spend the majority of his career at the Minnesota Department of Children and Family Services, retiring 35 years later as Director of Child Support Enforcement. His work reflected his belief that government at its best exists to protect families and children.

Wayland's appreciation of music was vast and deep and he both read and wrote poetry. He was a voracious consumer of literary and political newspapers and magazines and somehow, even in these difficult times, he never abandoned hope that reason and justice would eventually prevail.

Wayland lived a life of compassion based on strength of character and defined by love. He was immensely proud of his children and their spouses and of his ten perfect grandchildren, and they brought him great joy. Nearly every one of his grandchildren learned to play chess in his living room. He was honored and treasured by his friends.

Wayland is survived by his beloved wife, Maureen; his children Zachary (Leslie), Matthew (Cheryl), Caroline Radzevicius (Tomas), and Joseph (Emily); his ten grandchildren Grace, Cecil, Connor, Savanna, Caitlin, Olivia, Jack, Elijah, Sebastian, and Maxwell; sister Mary Anderson, brother-in-law Arthur Roof; and countless close friends and extended family members. He is preceded in death by sister Caroline Roof.

A celebration of life honoring Wayland will take place at The Oak Room above Sweeney's, 96 Dale Street North in St. Paul on Saturday, January 3, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., with remarks and remembrances beginning at 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Civil Liberties Union at aclu.org