Wesley Jay Gilfry Wes was born September 19, 1930 in Brush, Colorado to Wilfred and Thelma Gilfry; he passed away peacefully October 11, 2009 in Mount Vernon with his family by his side. As a boy he moved to California, he graduated from Petaluma High School in 1948. He then entered the US Navy, serving 5 years. During that time, he served in Korea as a hospital corpsman for the U.S. Marine Corps 7th Division. He married the love of his life, Juanita Walker in Sedro Woolley, WA, September 25, 1953. He spent 30 years working with the Shell Oil Company in Anacortes, WA, Ventura and Bakersfield, CA. He then retired in 1985. After retiring, Juanita and Wes returned to Burlington, WA. Wes was active in the Republican Party, a member of the Burlington Christian Alliance Church and the Marine Corps League. Wes hunted elk in the Colorado Rockies every year; he enjoyed fishing, photography, gardening and traveled to U.S. historic sites. He enjoyed supporting his children's activities in school, band, scouts and sports. He adored his family and his country. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Juanita; children: Connie Poore of Portsmouth, VA, Corinne (Patrick) White of Snohomish, Colette (Scott) Peterson of Camano Island and Caryl Gilfry and fiance Tom Robinson of Lake Cavanaugh, daughter-in-law Rebecah Gilfry of Seattle; grandchildren: Aaron (Kellea) Poore, Courtney (Erik) Needy, Rachel (Nathaniel) Phillips, Brittany Peterson, Matthew Poore, Carah, Mackenzie and Sean White; brother: Mason (Kelly) Gilfry of Lemoore, CA; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved son, Paul; sister, Coleen Haynes Curry and son-in-law, Richard Poore. A graveside service for family will be held Saturday, October 17, 2009 at HMP, followed by a 12:15 Memorial Service at the Burlington Christian Alliance Church, 12063 Pulver Road, Burlington (on the corner of Peterson and Pulver Roads.) Please share your thoughts of Wes and sign the online guest register at www.hawthornefh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Wes' name to the Alzheimers Society of Washington, P.O. 4104, Bellingham, WA 98227 or charity of your choice.