Loren William Wight

Loren William Wight, 76, passed away peacefully at home on August 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, after an eleven-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born on July 20, 1949, in Washington State, Loren grew up in University Place, Tacoma. It was there, and along the banks of Fox Island, that he developed a lifelong passion for sailing, water skiing, climbing to tree tops, and seeking adventure. From an early age, he was drawn to the water and beauty of the Puget Sound, spending countless hours exploring its waves and shorelines with his cousin Ron. His adventurous spirit stayed with him throughout his life.

As he told it, Loren felt the leading of the Lord to suddenly move from Tacoma to the Tri-Cities in Central Washington, and that’s where he met Nancy. For those who do not believe in love at first sight, Loren and Nancy had that fairy-tale beginning. They met at the boat races, on a merry-go-round. By the end of that night, they were in love, they were engaged, and Loren would soon reenlist in the Army to serve his country and continue his love of travel. After their first year in Arizona, they enjoyed almost three tours of duty in Germany, where, among other adventures, they lived in a castle.

Loren proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during Vietnam. His service as an Army medic operating ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) clinics, and the skills and education he acquired there, led him to a career as a civilian in Texas and Washington State while raising his young family. During these years, serving both his country and people gave Loren a curiosity for other cultures, deep empathy for others, and a true love for people of all walks of life.

After a successful career in optometry and as an ophthalmology surgical and technical specialist, Loren, guided by his Christian faith and compassion for others, moved his family to Honduras in the mid-1990s as missionaries, providing vital eye care to the less fortunate. His kindness and service touched many lives and reflected his unwavering commitment to helping those in need.

Ever devoted to his family, Loren also embraced the dreams of those he loved. After their stay in Honduras, Loren and Nancy moved the family to Idaho to pursue her passion for raising Arabian horses, eventually settling in Potlatch. Together, they built a life grounded in faith, love, and shared purpose. It was at this time that he became a grandfather for the first time. He would later become a grandfather to four more and a great-grandfather to an additional four.

Loren was preceded in death by his father, Earnest Wight; his mother, Beatrice Wight; and his sister, Carol Jones. He is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy Wight; his sons, Jamin Wight and Jacob Wight; his daughters, Jennifer Bowles and Jael Wight; and his brother, Don Wight. To them, and to all who knew him, Loren was a steady, compassionate, and faithful man, a devoted husband, loving father, and true friend.

Loren’s life was one of service, adventure, and devotion. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in the waters he sailed, the stories he told, the pride with which he played his Victrola, the pocketbook of names for whom he prayed, his calmness and compassion for the weak, the lives he touched, and the family he loved beyond all else.

A celebration of life will be held at the Nazarene Church in Moscow, Idaho, on Monday, September 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with a reception following.

Thanks to the compassionate, state-of-the-art care he received at Fred Hutch, Loren and his family were given precious extra time together. They are forever grateful to the dedicated medical professionals who served him.