Wesley Steven Brickner

Wesley S. Brickner, dedicated veteran rights advocate, peace activist, much-loved father, son, brother and husband, passed away July 23, 2025 at the age of 74, in Udon Thani, Thailand. Born on June 4, 1951, Wes grew up in San Pedro, playing with close friends on 27th Street, hitting baseballs at Bloch field, cruising in his VW bus and immersing himself in the music of the times. He attended Leland Street Elementary, Dana Junior High, San Pedro High, LA Harbor College and received a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies from Cal State Dominguez Hills. He was a Vietnam veteran and worked as a longshoreman from May 1968 until he retired in 2003.

After serving his country, Wes returned home determined to ensure that veterans received the support, dignity, and recognition they deserved. For decades, he championed policies and programs that uplifted former service members, offering his voice and energy to causes that often went unheard. Wes Co-Founded the group Veterans' Rights Advocates and was a staunch activist for veterans' employment rights. Wes tirelessly fought for the fair treatment of those who served their country. His passion remained strong, even in the face of many challenges. His legacy is one of unwavering advocacy for veterans' rights. He will be remembered for his support, perseverance, and belief that all veterans deserve dignity and respect.

Wes met his love, Nuch, and they were married in 2018. He moved from San Pedro to start the next chapter and build his dream home with her, settling down in Udon Thani, Thailand early March of 2019. He talked about how much he enjoyed being in Thailand, travelling to the peaceful countryside, visiting with extended family and going to his favorite restaurants with his wife and kids. He shared many wonderful times he had in the home they built there and even found a group of American friends to have brunches, parties and share stories with of their time back in the States.

Wes was preceded in death recently by his dearest brother, Jim and devoted mother, Lou, and prior to that his father, Jack, aunts Helen and Mary, and uncles Joe and Lou. He is survived by his loving wife, Weeranut "Nuch", his sons, Bryan (Noemi), Brent (Shawna) and Aphichat, his daughters, Kelly (Rocco), Erin and Nusara (Boonpaisan), grandchildren, Anthony, Raquel, Gianna, Matthew, Juma, Yussuf, his brothers Mike (Lani) and John (Cindy), sisters Susan (Scott), Karen (Richard), and Nancy (Scott), his cherished nieces and nephews, that he loved bringing to concerts or sharing his world view with, his friends and family in the States and Thailand, where he spent many meaningful years and built deep, lasting bonds. He will be forever missed.

Funeral services were held on July 31, 2025 at Wat Sri Khun Muang Buddhist Temple, in Udon Thani, Thailand and a memorial service will be held in California at a later date to honor and celebrate Wes's remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to organizations dedicated to veterans' rights and advocacy, supporting veterans and their families.