My name is Steven Hernandez and Wes and I were in the same BYU MPA cohort from 2008-2010. My contact with Wes is a collection of numerous, brief interactions that spanned our two-year program and I’d like to share my memories of him with you. In a nutshell, Wes always struck me as a kind and gentle soul and I enjoyed interacting with him.
The first time I met Wes was at the MPA student orientation events in late August 2008. On Thursday, August 28, the new students met from morning until about 4 PM to be introduced to the faculty and staff and to be orientated to the program. I remember Wes distinctly that day because out of a room full of students, faculty, and staff; Wes and I were the only two guys who had chosen not to wear suit coats. After sitting sheepishly in a room full of suits for the first few minutes of the morning meeting, I was absolutely relieved when Wes walked in in a white shirt and tie as I was dressed! Later that morning, when Wes and I crossed paths, I remember how heartwarming his demeanor was. Wes smiled easily, said he had decided it was too hot outside to wear a suit coat (my thoughts exactly that morning!), and immediately thanked me for not wearing a suit coat because he had felt awkward the moment he walked in the room. We had a good laugh together, posed for a group picture below (notice the two fellows conspicuously not is coats ), and continued to chuckle about our suit coat gaffe throughout the program.
I saw Wes frequently in the Cannon Center around lunch time because both he and I had Meal Plans. When Wes saw me, he always greeted me warmly and, although he said he struggled remembering names, I can’t recall a time he couldn’t remember my name. Whenever I saw Wes in the Cannon Center, even if he was with his family, he was consistently gracious in his demeanor. He was quick to smile and say hello, but was considerate and easily let me go on my way so I could eat.
The other interactions I had with Wes were the usual interactions of being classmates: chatting before or after class, greeting each other in hallways, and working on a group project on one occasion. In the group project, I recall there was some tension among the team for reasons which I can no longer recall, but Wes was ever the peacemaker and almost singlehandedly smoothed the situation over. Thinking of all the times Wes and I interacted as classmates, what stands out to me most about Wes is how he made me feel when he was around. Wes was a very genuine person, calm and definitely without guile. He was forthright in how he spoke and presented himself to others. When I paid attention to what the Spirit told me about Wes, I could feel that he was a good man inside and out.
Because of my life experiences, I am always quite touched by people who are kind and gentle as Wes always was. Interacting with Wes was a treasure for me. Wes was a living blessing in my life. May the Lord bless you, Wes, and your family!
Steven D. Hernandez
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