Wayne Trott

Wayne Merle Trott was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He passed away on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at age 74.

A lifelong resident of Albuquerque, Wayne was born to Harold and Nellie Trott on April 16, 1949. He graduated from Highland High School in 1967 and received his B.S. in Chemistry from the University of New Mexico in 1971. He completed his doctoral work at Los Alamos National Laboratories and received his PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of New Mexico in 1978. He had a 32-year career at Sandia National Laboratories, where he retired as a Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff in 2010. He authored or co-authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications, primarily in the field of laser optics.

Although Wayne was enduringly humble, he possessed many interests and an astounding knowledge of varied subjects. He was a member of the New Mexico Astronomical Society and the New Mexico Hiking Club. He was a lifelong learner, acquiring skills in Spanish, drawing and painting, and anything his children were interested in. In recent years, he shared his love for science as a volunteer at the Explora Museum and his more recent fondness for art by answering phones and patching walls at the New Mexico Art League. He loved to travel, completing a trip to Patagonia with Maryann shortly before his death. Those who were fortunate enough to meet him in these pursuits invariably found him to be tirelessly funny and deeply kind. He was an avid scholar and teacher of the Bible. Its moral and ethical principles were the guide of his life, exemplified by his service, his care for the earth, and his concern for democracy and justice. In faith, he rests in peace as he awaits the glorious Resurrection.

Wayne's greatest pride and passion rested in his family, including his wife of almost 49 years, Maryann; his children, Daniel and Elise, and their spouses, Nikki Trott and Patrick Jaramillo. He loved each one profoundly and uniquely, supporting all their interests and careers with his hallmark blend of gentle encouragement and poignant analysis. With his three beloved grandchildren-Luke and Rose Trott and Gabriel Jaramillo-he was an unfailing source of warmth, curiosity, and hilarity. His late parents-in-law, Dolores and John Colby, treasured him as their own. Wayne is also survived by his brother, Harold Trott; sister, Donna McRae; nephew, David McRae and wife, Cynthia; brother-in-law, John Colby; and niece, Tiffany Colby.

The family requests that remembrances be made to the Explora Museum (www.explora.us) or the University of New Mexico Wayne M. Trott Chemistry Scholarship (www. unmfund.org or UNM Foundation, 700 Lomas NE, Ste 108, Albuquerque, NM 87102).

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, March 9, 2024, 10:00 a.m., at Hope in the Desert Episcopal Church, 8700 Alameda Blvd. NE. Interment will take place at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE.