Wayne Tenenbaum, 80, died peacefully in his home on Sunday, Jan. 23.
A native of Kansas City, he was preceded in death by his parents Sarah and Jake Tenenbaum. He is survived by his beloved wife Karen; children Linda, James, Kathy and Jim; sister Norma; aunt Joie; six grandchildren; one great grandchild and many nieces and nephews.
Wayne was rooted in his Jewish traditions and lived those values in his daily life. He felt blessed by the Thompson family, who embraced him upon his marriage to Karen. Wayne had a wide variety of interests and was instrumental in the promotion of the Cowtown Ballroom, which attracted musicians to Kansas City such as the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and B.B. King in the early 1970s.
He was a well-respected attorney in Kansas City and served Jackson County as its property assessor. Later, Wayne formed Tenenbaum-Hill Associates, which became one of the first national property tax assessment firms in the United States. He traveled extensively, taught others, and was always willing to help his wide network of friends and associates. Wayne was an active member of the International Association of Assessing Officers.
Always an enthusiastic sports fan, he loved watching the Kansas City Royals and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs. Wayne enjoyed domestic and foreign travel, poker, board games (he was unbeatable at gin rummy and backgammon), reading books, music of all types, and he could converse on any subject.
He was a unique man with a brilliant mind and a generous heart who will be missed by anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Donations may be made in his memory to the New Reform Temple and Bishop Sullivan Center. Memorial service was held Sunday Jan. 30, at Woodbridge Clubhouse, 127 Woodbridge Ln., Kansas City, MO 64145. Online condolences may also be expressed at speakschapel.com.
