Nov. 10, 1937 - June 24, 2012
Jay George Wesson of Bend, Oregon, passed away unexpectedly on June 24, 2012, of cardiac arrest at St. Charles Hospital in Bend. He was 74.
A Memorial Mass, with military honors, will take place on Friday July 20, 2012, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Francis of Assisi Historic Catholic Church, located at the corner of Lava and Franklin in downtown Bend. A reception will immediately follow.
Jay was born November 10, 1937, in Mt. Vernon, New York, to Arthur and Marion (Brandon) Wesson. He grew up in the Midwest, served four years in the US Air Force in the Spokane, Washington area, and fell in love with the Northwest. While working near Tillamook, Oregon, he met Susan Sander whom he married on August 11, 1968. Jay and Sue had two sons, Michael and Gregory and they lived in Albany, Oregon, until 1992 when they moved to Central Oregon.
Jay was an active member at the Redmond and Bend Gun Clubs where he would shoot trap every Wednesday and Sunday. He spent much of his career as an entrepreneur. When not working or shooting, Jay enjoyed spending time with his family, including his two grandchildren, Zack and Payton Wesson.
Jay is survived by his wife of 43 years, Susan Wesson of Bend, Oregon; his two sons, Michael Wesson of Tualatin, OR, and Gregory Wesson of Bend, OR; and a daughter- in-law, Nicole Wesson of Tualatin, OR. Other survivors include his grandchildren, Zack and Payton Wesson of Tualatin, OR; brothers, Thomas (Mary) Wesson of Mundelein, IL, and James (Sharon) Wesson of New Berlin, WI; his in-laws, John L. Sander (Donna) of Hollister, CA, Paul Sander (Lynn) of Portland, OR, and Janet Friedrich (John) of Tigard, OR; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions in Jays memory may be sent to the St. Francis of Assisi New Church Building Fund, 2450 NE 27th Street, Bend, OR 97701.
Baird Funeral Home of Bend is in charge of the arrangements, 541-382-0903, www.bairdmortuaries.com
Jay Wesson
