Wesley Thompson
1994 - 2020
Wesley Thompson
1994 - 2020
Obituary
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Wesley Thompson Obituary
Wesley Lawrance Thompson of Denver, Colorado (formerly of Athens, Ohio) passed away unexpectedly on November 5, 2020 from an accidental fall while visiting friends in Key West, Florida.
Born on July 1, 1994 in Lafayette, Indiana, Wesley was a 2012 graduate of Athens High School and a 2016 graduate of the Ohio University College of Business. Four days after graduating from college, Wesley headed out to Jackson Hole, Wyoming to start a new adventure which included working in the tourism industry and (of course) skiing and hiking whenever he could. Wesley recently bragged that he had skied 25 months in a row following the snow wherever it went.
Wesley is survived by his parents and sister, Christopher, Erin, and Bailey Thompson. Also surviving are Wesley’s grandparents, Jacqueline Seela of Waverly, Ohio, Catherine Thompson of Claremont, California, Arleon Kelley and Donna Meinhard of Portland, Oregon. Other surviving family members are uncles and aunts Tim (Sandy) Kelley of Hampton, New Hampshire, Jeff (Shiho) Thompson of Alexandria, Virginia and Steve (Tomoko) Thompson of Yokohama, Japan, and cousins Sky, Leo, Timmy, Sarah, and Tanner. Wesley was also close to his Meinhard family, and spent a summer working in the Portland area living with his relatives, David and Ani Capper.
Wesley was an avid outdoor enthusiast and enjoyed spending time hiking with his girlfriend, Audrey and their dog Stella, and other good friends.
In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation in memory of Wesley Thompson to: the Grand Teton National Park Foundation https://www.gtnpf.org/donate/ or the Protect our Winters Project https://protectourwinters.org/donate/. A larger memorial service is planned for the Spring if COVID restrictions are lifted. Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.
Tom Scanlan & Laurie Fox
December 7, 2020
Chris & Erin, Laurie and I were so sorry to hear about Wes' passing. We can't imagine the grief you are experiencing, but you are in our thoughts. We didn't know Wes well, but Quinn got to know him both at AHS and since graduating. He knew Wes as a generous person, who was always kind to those he would meet. We are thinking of you and we hope that your memories of Wes will offer you at least some solace during this most difficult time.
POW Team
December 4, 2020
Janet Glendenning
December 3, 2020
I am so very sorry to hear this news Erin. I met Wesley on the PEI and heard many wonderful stories about him from you and your Dad. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Miranda Stanford
December 1, 2020
Wes and I worked together at Jackson Lake Lodge at the front desk and we would talk about music, in particular Twenty One Pilots. He would always brag about how he saw them before they came famous and how they were from his hometown area. I remember being so jealous whenever he would talk about it! He had a big heart for his friends and this showed when he won a free night stay at the Antler Inn for giving them so much business when JLL was sold out. He invited the whole team with him that night so we could all enjoy it. That was a night I'll always remember because it was so much fun and it's all thanks to Wes! This loss really sucks and I'm sorry this pain has to be felt. I just like to keep thinking he's hiking that Grand Teton up in Heaven wearing the most ridiculous outfit while doing so.
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Chuck Springwood
November 28, 2020
Cheryl and I are sending all of the peace, light, and love we have to offer, Chris, Erin, and Bailey. So sorry for your loss.
Brenda Wahl
November 20, 2020
Dear Erin, Chris and Bailey,
We wanted you to know our hearts are with you. We got to know Wes over the years through Ryan. He was such a wonderful friend and amazing person. We are sending you our love and prayers.
Brenda and John Wahl and the Bush and Wahl children
Brenda Wahl
November 20, 2020
Dear Erin, Chris and Bailey,
We wanted you to know our hearts are with you. We got to know Wes over the years through Ryan. He was such a wonderful friend and amazing person. We are sending you our love and prayers.
Brenda and John Wahl and the Bush and Wahl children
Gerry, Joung Hee and Kristin Krzic
November 19, 2020
Our hearts go out to the entire Thompson family. Wesley brought joy to us and to anyone whom he met. We still remember when he was first introduced to a group of Japanese students who were studying at OU, it was immediately clear that he was the most popular American student. They all loved him -- the girls for his gentleness and kindness and the boys for his patience and athleticism. We will never forget him. Please take care and accept our deepest condolences.
Cam Kelley
November 18, 2020
Wes was a wonderful friend of mine. We met working at Evolve in January of 2019 and had many similar interests. He loved skiing, hiking and grabbing a beer after work in Denver, as did I. He had agreed to be a groomsman at my wedding next summer just a few days before his passing. I am so grateful I was able to speak to him and have that conversation. Life is so short and the Thompson family is in my thoughts each and every day. Wes was adventurous soul and a genuine friend who will be missed greatly by all who knew him. Stay strong!
Ken Edwards
November 18, 2020
Dear Erin, Chris, Bailey: I am heartbroken at Wesley's passing. I cannot imagine your sadness. When I think of Wesley, I think of nature, mountains, hiking, skiing, being out in God's country. He shared a lot with our world and will be greatly missed. Blessings, Ken Edwards
Richard Faust
November 17, 2020
Wes was such a great guy, we worked for a summer in the Tetons, then, the following fall I hired him as a server at Lotus Organic Restaurant in Jackson, WY. He had such a kind spirit and huge heart. We kept in touch, he even came to visit me in New Orleans. I consider Wesley one of my dear friends. My deepest sympathies to his family and girlfriend. He was truly an amazing man. Life will not be as good without him. So much love!
Doug Cummings
November 17, 2020
Wes and I studied abroad together in Dijon, France through Ohio University's COB Global Consulting Program. We had a lot of good times & laughs on that trip. Wes my American French sherpa since he had been practicing French for years. Wes was an extremely kind and intelligent friend. I was always envious keeping up with his adventures through social media. The world will greatly miss him.
Catherine Marshall
November 17, 2020
Wesley was our babysitter during his high school years. He started coming on snow days and later hung out with my boys for the better part of a summer. Snow days are always a treat for kids, but they were extra special for my boys because of Wesley. Together the three of them would build forts and stage epic snowball battles. My boys were particularly impressed with Wesley's strength and athleticism. A favorite activity was the Papa push-up (a push-up with my youngest son on his back). A decade later, this is still used as a measure of strength in our house. Wesley was an awesome role model and we are so thankful to have known him.
Michael Starkey
November 17, 2020
Wes lived next to me my freshman year at OU. He quickly became a friend to all of us and truly was a genuine guy. He had a smile on his face every time you saw him. I was envious of his explorations and adventures post-grad and will continue to live life trying to explore more and more in honor of Wes.
Rachel Parrott
November 17, 2020
Wes was one of the OGs with me from early on at Evolve. He and I would always trade hiking trails to hit (or avoid) and I always looked forward to his recommendations and seeing new parts of the state less traveled. I've logged a lot of miles that I wouldn't have known about without him. He truly was the best human and I'll miss him greatly
Patrick (Joe) Goonan
November 17, 2020
I worked with Wes at Ohio University's Intramural/Club Sports program, and we shared many good times together. He was one who always worked hard and made our work group feel like a family with his humor, kindness, and great personality. We all will surely miss his presence when the OUIM team holds its next reunion in Athens.
Jacob Schriner
November 16, 2020
This is such an incredible loss for the world! Wesley was such a fun, friendly and genuine person and his sense of adventure and free spirit were an inspiration to all who knew him.
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