WES C. PAK

Wes Chel Pak, known to many as "Jedi Wes", became one with the force on Saturday, November 3, 2018 after a 7-year battle with neuroblastoma, just one month shy of his 13th birthday. Wes was a first born son, big brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend to everyone who knew and loved him. He set an example of hope for many others in the childhood cancer community. Despite the 5 relapses, frequent trips to Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC, countless surgeries, treatments, and needles, he continued to remain positive, smile, and let us know that there are others that had it harder. He fought valiantly like the warrior that he was and never let the diagnosis bring him down. Even though Wes was just a 7th grader at Yorktown Middle School, Wes was wise beyond his years, spending much of his time educating himself about world history, science, and the military. Anyone who ever had the pleasure to meet him knows that he was filled with knowledge, and never left his presence without learning something new. He was a member of the Junior Monarch and More Club at Seaford Elementary School and received the Student Service Award in 2016 for his contributions to the community. He found a sense of peace listening to the classics such as The Beatles, Queen, David Bowie, Sublime, and Bob Marley. He was a "foodie" and enjoyed trying new things. He had dreams of one day traveling the world to places like England, Germany, France, and Japan. Wes was a "nerd" and proud of it. His love for Star Wars, Doctor Who, Supernatural, The Walking Dead, Attack on Titan, and Fallout was clear and often expressed through cosplay. He had the privilege of being the first fan to ever play Fallout 76. Wes was a member of the Galactic Academy, and recently became an honorary member of the 501st Legion, an international Star Wars costuming charity organization, after years of "trooping" as a biker scout for local charitable events and fundraisers. He impacted thousands across York County and around the world with his selfless outlook on life. At just 5 years old Wes wanted to give his toys to the other children fighting cancer at CHKD which started his Wes' Wish Toy Drive. Each year Wes personally helped with the efforts, making sure the financial burdens the holidays often bring were a little less for local childhood cancer families. Last year more than $50,000 in gifts were collected, helping more than 50 Hampton Roads families because of Wes' giving heart. Childhood cancer awareness was a priority for Wes, and he pushed others to be a voice for other fighters like him. Wes had dreams of growing up to be a marine biologist. He knew the importance of protecting our environment and was an advocate for ocean conservancy. His final wish was to inspire others to help marine life and clean the waterways which sparked the #InspiredByWes movement. Many around the world have and continue to hold beach clean ups in his honor. Wes did not lose his battle with cancer. He was strong and fought until the very end. His legacy will be carried on by his family, friends, and all of those who came to love him. You were not weak my son, you were strong, #WesStrong. You changed the world with your infectious smile and compassion, but now it is our turn to continue your mission. Wes is preceded in death by great aunt Beth Graham, great-grandparents James and JanieDawson, Pak Suk Chun, Kim Jin Tack, Oh Suk Ja, Leneave Walters, Mary Young Moore, and many friends in the fight. Wes is survived by his father Myong Pak, mother Krista Pak, step-father James Wagstaff, brothers Ebin and Eli Pak, sister Madison Wagstaff, grandparents Raymond Volkers, Pamela Volkers (Ricky Fucarino), Chong and Kyong Pak, great-grandparents William and Ida Byrum, Lee Song Yun, Lou and Mildred Elizalde, aunts Brittany Volkers, Haleigh Jenkins (Alan Jenkins), uncle Joseph Pak, cousins Zachary, Christopher, Riley, his special friend Layla Rose, and many other family and friends. For those that have followed Wes' journey for the last 7 ½ years, our family thanks you from the bottom of our hearts. Wes' celebration of life will take place in the York High School Auditorium, 9300 Geo.Wash.Mem.Hwy, Yorktown, 2:00pm, Sunday, November 11th, with reception to follow in the school cafeteria. We ask that everyone wear purple, gold/golden yellow, or something related to Wes' favorite fandoms, because that is what Wes would have wanted. Cosplay is welcome and encouraged. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Wes' memory to one of the following foundations who held a special meaning to Wes: Wes' family's foundation www.UnitedinGrace.org Patient Airlift Services www.Palservices.org Candlelighters NYC www.candlelightersnyc.org Neuroblastoma Research www.Bandofparents.org Ocean & Shark/Ray Conservation www.Projectaware.org Save the Bees www.thehoneybeeconservancy.org