Wayne Bassett Bard, 85, passed away at home on September 13, 2025. He was born in Danbury, Connecticut on March 23, 1940, and he grew up in nearby Bethel where he began his lifelong love of cars and music - working on his Model A Ford and playing his sax in local swing bands. He graduated from Lynchburg College in Virginia and received his MBA from Rutgers in New Jersey.

Wayne was a CPA with Arthur Andersen & Co in New York City and Charlotte, NC where he was involved in church and community activities as well as Cub Scouts and Indian Guides with his young sons. He was active in the Sports Car Club of America and competed in hillclimb and autocross events in his 65 Mustang and raced an Austin Healy at tracks in the southeast region.

Wayne's career transitioned to banking, and in 1972 he moved with his family from Charlotte to the relatively undeveloped but newly incorporated town of Seminole, Florida, where he was comptroller of the Community Bank of Seminole. He later worked with Peoples Bank, Republic Bank, and Synovus Bank before he retired in 2004.

Wayne loved all auto sports - either as a spectator or participant. He loved outdoor activities like canoeing the Florida rivers and hiking in the Smokey Mountains; he loved beach vacations at The Outer Banks of NC, Jekyll Island, and Sanibel; he loved antique cars, classic country music, and cats; and he loved being with family and close friends.

Wayne was preceded in death by his father, Valen Bard and his mother, Janette Bard. And he is survived by his wife of 63 years, Betty Bard, and three sons: Jeffrey, Ricky, and Don; also five grandchildren: Emily, Ethan, Evan, Samuel, and Jasmine.

The family and friends are celebrating his life privately, according to his wishes.