Wesley Lisle Wilson

Wes Wilson was born in 1948 in Denver, and grew up in Colorado Springs, graduating from Wasson High School. He began playing the violin in 4th grade, and studied with Margaret Smith. He earned a BMus in Music Education/Orchestra and a MMus in Conducting, studying with Wilfred Schwartz. During his student years, he played violin and viola in the CSU Symphony and the Fort Collins Symphony, began his love of playing chamber music, and directed musicals for community organizations.

After graduating in 1972, he began teaching stringed instruments and orchestra in Sheridan, WY. In addition to his teaching, he played violin/viola in orchestras in Billings, MT, Casper, WY, and the Panhandle Symphony in western NE. He married Carol Tait in 1973 in Fort Collins.

After three years of teaching, Wes took a break for a year, then found a similar position in Ottawa, KS. He had a love of photography and took classes to develop that skill. After five years of teaching, he took a post as a photographer at the Ottawa Herald for three years, earning many awards for his photography. He then held the position of publicity and publications director at Ottawa University for four years. After 12 years in Kansas, Wes and Carol were ready to move back to Colorado. During his years in Colorado, Wes held various positions related to his photography skills, and returned to his childhood love of ham radio. He was active in Amateur Radio Emergency Services, earning awards for his leadership skills.

He is survived by his wife Carol, beloved dog Sully, and extended family.

Contributions in his memory may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.