a big voice, a big heart and gave big love. He left this world on Jan. 12, 2021 due to
complications from COVID-19. Wes was 86 years old, residing in Tigard, Oregon at the time of
his passing.
Wes made this world a better place. Upon entering a room his presence was felt, his humor was
witty, and he had an innate ability to bring people together. Born on July 14th, 1934 in Tacoma,
Washington, he was the oldest son of Carsten and Rachel Colbo. He attended St. Leo’s (1949)
and graduated from Bellarmine Prep High School in 1953. Wes cherished his friendships and
stayed connected throughout the years with many former classmates. After high school, he
went on to serve in the Army from 1954-1956.
Wes met the love of his life, Dee (Dolores) Helf, in the summer of 1950. They were destined for
each other, later becoming high school sweethearts. They were opposites, but a perfect match.
In October of 1956, they married at St. Patrick’s church in Tacoma, Washington. They were
devoted, lifelong partners and faith remained at the center of their 64-year marriage. Their true
and everlasting love story included the blessing of four children, Diane, Mike, Jeanne and Julie.
Wes and Dee eventually moved to Seattle, Washington, where he found his
true calling in retail in 1961. He started at House of Values, then found career-long success at
Payless Drug Stores. He managed several stores in the Seattle area before receiving a
promotion in 1975, and relocating to Bend, Oregon. He was manager of the Bend Payless
Store until his retirement in 1995. Wes loved people; especially the Bend community. He had a
big personality, appreciated a strong work ethic and held customer service as a top priority. He
was a mentor to many and took pride in seeing others succeed. All four of his children worked
as his employee, an experience that brought laughter and tears, valuable life lessons and
memories to cherish forever.
Wes was also known to many as “Coach.” Growing up, he participated in several team sports, a
passion that later turned to coaching. Wes coached Seattle CYO baseball and basketball teams
for St. Mark’s in the 1960-70’s, as well as youth football. As a coach, he was exceptionally
proud of being invited to take an All-Star Babe Ruth Team from the Seattle-Bellevue area to
Japan in 1974.
Wes was a devout Catholic and lived his faith by example. While in Bend, he gave his time and
talents generously as an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Church. He supported St.
Vincent De Paul for several years, sharing his retail and management skills. He served on the
Board of Directors and as President. Wes was always one to befriend and joke with the parish
priests, enjoying their company and often inviting them to dinner.
As a member of the Bend Golf and Country Club since 1975, Wes and Dee found a community
that brought dear and lifelong friends. Wes loved golf and the social nature of the game. When
he was on the course, his group enjoyed plenty of jokes, good stories, with a cold
beer or vodka tonic waiting on the 19th hole. Many of Wes and Dee’s travels centered around
golf, and were shared with several of their closest friends.
Wes loved the outdoors. He enjoyed fly fishing and gardening in Bend. In earlier years, he spent
time sailing and cross country skiing. Palm Springs was a favorite yearly destination, as was an
annual Labor Day family reunion in Lincoln City. This yearly tradition continued for16 years,
providing a wealth of memories.
Wes was a man who always had your back. He was our hero. We will miss him and are better
people because of him. Wes was preceded in death by his parents, his loving brother (Marv),
his oldest grandson (Jacob) and nephew (Blake). He is survived by his devoted wife Dee
(Dolores) and their four children; Diane Paul (grandchildren Stephanie and Bryan); Mike Colbo
(wife Connie, grandchildren Errin and Jessica, great grandson Jackson); Chase (grandson);
Jeanne Brunner (husband Joe, grandchildren Kayla and Cooper); Julie Aguilar (husband Tom,
grandson Zachary); Denette Colbo (sister in-law); Sam and Brett (nephews), Caroline (niece).
Pegg, Paxson and Springer are handling funeral arrangements, and ask if you can please share your remembrances of Wes.
A rosary and funeral mass will be held on Feb. 5, at Holy Trinity Catholic
Church in Beaverton starting at 10:30am. Burial to follow at Willamette National Cemetery. Due to
COVID-19, all events will be limited to family only, but to show your love and support, please leave your memories and messages here, as well as make any Donations in Wes’s name to the
Alzheimer’s Association (act.alz.org), or the Gary Sinise Foundation (garysinisefoundation.org)
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18