Wayne Allen Bobrick

Wayne “Biff” Bobrick passed away at his home, surrounded by his loving family, on May 23rd, 2021.

Over the past year, he bravely battled a number of serious medical issues, exacerbated by the pandemic. Throughout, his courage, along with his friends, family, and loving wife of 61 years, have helped him face his life’s challenges with a smile, and, in true Bobrick fashion, many jokes. Wayne stayed strong until the end.

Wayne was born in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1939 and grew up with his mother and father, Morey and Judy Bobrick (of blessed memory) and his sisters, Sharon and Shelle. In 1957, following high school, he traveled to Albuquerque to attend UNM. It was there, at a Hilel meeting, that he met the love of his life, Tania. To say it was love at first sight is an understatement. He was her first date ever. Over the past 64 years, they have shared in life’s adventures and have held strong to their love. To this day, their love is as strong as on that first day they met.

Wayne’s accomplishments are too many to list, but include being a leader and helping many organizations flourish, from ROTC in his high school, to his three terms as president of Congregation B’nai Israel and his volunteering as board member of many, many organizations, each close to his heart.

He loved fishing, listening to books on tape, buying and playing with the latest electronic gadgets, gardening, birdwatching, and playing Cribbage with his children and grandchildren.

One of his greatest achievements was as the owner of Wright’s Indian Art, a local Albuquerque business since 1907. Wayne began working with his in-laws, Marguerite and Sam Chernoff (of blessed memory), the second owners of the store, in the late ‘60s and took over the operation in 1998. Wright’s is now lovingly operated by his grandchildren, Lauren and Dan Hyman.

He leaves a beautiful legacy, both in his career and his personal life.

Wayne is survived by a close family who will help each other through this devastating loss. His loving wife, Tania; his children: his favorite, Neal, and wife Devra; his favorite, Bryan, and wife Lori; and his favorite, Marla, and husband Dean Barnett. He also leaves behind grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each one his favorite: Justin and Jessica, and their sons Alex and Ryan; Lauren and Dan, their daughter, Mariella, and son, Jeremiah; Evan and Maddie, and their daughter Eleanor; Jillian, Jordan, Brianne, and Kyle and his loving caretaker, Elizabeth.

Memorial donations may be made to Congregation B’nai Israel or First Nations Community Healthsource.