On Aug. 8, 2011, Wayne Ray Briggs, 52, passed away in Colorado Springs, leaving behind many who will mourn him, miss him and be forever changed by knowing him. Wayne's life will be celebrated at two services. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 12, at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home, 443 S. Second St., Sterling. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Sterling.

On Aug. 17 at 11 a.m. a Celebration of Life will be held at Calvary United Methodist Church, 4210 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Colorado Springs.

Wayne lived life to the fullest, touching his family and friends with his great sense of humor, his inner joy, and above all his faith, love and zest for living.

Born on Jan. 6, 1959, in Sterling, Wayne was given a second chance at living on May 7, 1989, when he received a new heart.

Blessed by his heart transplant for 22 years, Wayne lived enthusiastically through the great loves of his life. Music, particularly his drums, were the pulse of praise for Wayne. He glorified God for several years as Calvary United Methodist Church's praise band drummer. Wayne found equal peace and exhilaration riding and maintaining his 2000 Harley Davidson, a bike he affectionately named "Stormy." Keeping Wayne company and providing much joy was his poodle, Tyson.

Wayne is survived by his parents, Gerald and Shirley Briggs of Colorado Springs; sister, Cindy McCormick and husband Mike of Loveland; maternal grandmother, Ilo Benson; uncles, Cliff Benson and wife Naioma and Curt Benson and wife Dottie; cousins, Allen Benson and wife Cindy, Lail Benson and wife Paula, Ben Benson and wife Michelle, and Tom Benson and wife Barb; nephew, Chris McCormick and wife Teri; niece, Candace Tower and husband John; one great-nephew and two great-nieces.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 1586 S. 21st Street, Ste. 10, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, or the American Cancer Society, 1445 N. Union Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80909.