Childhood Vacation

I'm guessing Wes and I were between 10 and 12 when our families decided to vacation together. We traveled to his Grandparents cabin (I think, that part is a bit hazy!) We went to the lake for a day, a WHOLE day, a 13 HOUR day...and Wes and I refused to wear sunscreen. I guess we thought we would tan? I don't know. We swam, we boated, we had a great time. I vaguely remember the lake though, what I do remember, is the sunburn! Wes and I were sooooo burned..we were blistered all over. We were in pain. The two of us stayed up a good part of the night, playing cards, taking turns taking cold showers. I know that we had to be miserable, but all I have ever remembered is just how much fun that night was, I don't remember blisters, I remember laughter.
My family moved away shortly after that and I never again saw or spoke to Wes. However,as I sat and listened to his friends and family share how positive and fun he was, I knew I had seen that in him all those years ago.

Heather (Ferrin) Sollis

Summers with Wes

I just heard the news of Wes's passing. After reading all the touching
postings on the blog and crying on the phone with Vince for a while, I
finally got control of my emotions long enough to jot down a few
disjointed thoughts and memories of the most Christlike person I've
ever known. So many of my memories of Wes are of summer---from the
carefree summers of our childhood to our "summer of thunder" as
college roommates, where Wes and Ryan convinced Lori and Amy to marry
them. The last summer that I saw Wes and Lori was one filled with hope
and excitement for the future. We were a bunch of newlyweds ready to
sail through anything life could throw at us. I'm confident Wes and
Lori were more prepared than the rest of us for what lie ahead and
must have stored up some extra reserves to carry them through these
Job-like trials. The celestial relationship that Wes and Lori have has
and will forever be an inspiration to Lindsay and me and to the
countless others they lifted and blessed. Now it's summer again, and
I'm really missing Wes.

The first summer that I met Wes was as a 5 year-old climbing over the
fence to Vince's house as his cousins pulled in from Kansas (in a
white van with a green stripe as I remember it). Wes's subsequent
summer visits became the highlight of the year for me, Vince, and Mike
(and later Neal and Nate). Each visit turned into a crazy new
adventure---jumping off waterfalls in the canal, camping at the caves,
and building a 25 ft. tall zipline with an old bike (something only
Wes's ingenuity, patience, and sheer willpower could pull off).

Those adventures continued into high school and then college, where
Wes used the same creativity, perseverance, and brilliance that made
our childhood summers so magical for an even nobler cause---winning
Lori's heart. It was the summer of thunder for Wes and Ryan and they
(along with our the other members of the thunder club-- Ron, Morgan,
and Jeff) pulled out all the stops and made highspeed ziplines look
like child's play. One time they even managed to get our table through
our 12 ft. high dorm window so we could impress Lori and Amy with an
(unauthorized) rooftop dinner. After hours of trying to fit the table
through the small window, Wes managed to remove one of the table's
legs while balancing himself on a bedpost. I don't remember how we got
it back in our apartment.

That summer, I also got to listen in on Wes and Ryan's late-night
gospel discussions---something I wish every newly-returned missionary
could do. They taught me that the gospel was not just something we
shared as missionaries or talked about at church--it defined
everything about them. The same testimony that Wes used to share with
us over the campfire as kids and at EFY carried me through my first
year back at college and continues to strengthen me today. It was
actually at Wes and Ryan's joint mission homecoming that I determined
I would do whatever it took to be their roommate that summer. Since
the day I heard them speak, I've been looking forward to the time when
their names would be announced at general conference and I could tell
my grandkids that I was roommates with Wes Truman and Ryan
Fitzgibbons.

Summers will always bring memories of Wes and his "perfect brightness
of hope." I wish so much that I could there tomorrow. I've missed so
much being overseas--the birth of our twins, all of my siblings'
weddings----and now I can't even be there to say goodbye to Wes. I
want to live my life in manner that I can see him again..... and maybe
even get to spend some summers with him. It comforts me to picture Wes
in a future day, reunited with the love of his life Lori and their
beautiful children enjoying an eternal summer.

Travis Sevy

Squishy Muscles

I remember the day the Trumans moved in two doors down from my family. I don't mean to rat out my sisters and I, but we watched out our rumpus room window as a gaggle of handsome boys carried in their boxes. We were even more excited when we learned there was a sister that would become a great friend to all of us. As I've thought about the amazing Truman family this week, my heart was warmed by many memories throughout the years. Phil and Lucinda were such great parents, it's no wonder they raised such amazing children.

For some reason one funny story about Wes kept coming to my mind that I had to share. Wes was probably six or seven years younger than me, so I didn't know him very well. One day, Suzy and my sister and I were sitting in the backseat of my mom's car in the driveway watching Wes, Ryan and Jeremy play. Suzy was bragging about how big Wes' muscles were and decided to call him over to the car to show off his guns. (He couldn't have been more than ten years old at the time.) Trying to be humble, Wes resisted Suzy's request until our begging got too annoying. Wes flexed his little arm and we were all duly impressed when his muscle popped up. Suzy insisted everyone feel Wes' muscle, which I think embarrassed him terribly. He might have been trying to defer our attention by pointing out that Ryan also had good muscles. Ryan took his turn flexing while Wes complimented his strength. Jeremy was watching the events and sadly said that he didn't have any muscles. Being the good friend that he was to these boys, Wes turned to him and encouragingly said, "Yes you do, Jeremy! You just have squishy muscles."

As I've read this blog over the past few months, it has become apparent to me that Wes was always this kind of friend to everyone. I am so touched by these beautiful tributes. The other thing that stands out in my mind about "Little Wes" is the way his older siblings loved and adored him. I remember always thinking how neat it was that they all treated him so kindly and loved him so much. Suzy spent a lot of time at our house and she was always doting over and looking out for Wes. I love the Truman family and hope they feel of the love and prayers that so many are offering on their behalf. Wes learned how to be a parent from two of the greatest people I know, so I know he was an excellent husband and father. Though I haven't met Lori or their children, they are in my thoughts and prayers.

Gretchen Richards Brown

A Childhood Friend

I'm not sure the exact grade it was when I first met Wes, but I think it was around 2nd or 3rd grade when Wes and everyone was in Gate with Mrs. Yumul and I wasn't. So obviously I was jealous of everyone there! But I think our friendship truly began in middle school. I've known Wes for a really long time, and I've always considered him a true friend and perhaps one of my best friends growing up!

Wes had that special trait that not many people have in this life and that was true leadership through love and humility. Wes touched so many peoples lives during his brief time on Earth that its still crazy to think of him as being gone. People who knew of Wes, but didn't hang out with him when they found out that he had passed all had the same response. It was always "Man, Wes was a really great guy!" That's how Wes impacted the lives of everyone in Spring Valley growing up, people who were acquaintances of Wes were deeply saddened that he passed. Honestly, no one else that I know of could have this same impact and Wes did this through his unwaivering love for everyone despite their religious or other differences.

I wish I had pictures of us hanging out together to post on this memorial blog, but unfortunately I never took pictures so all I have are my memories and countless stories of Wes and our times in the Rumpus Room. If I could talk to Wes now I would thank him for many things. I would thank Wes for being a true friend during our childhood. I would thank Wes for allowing me to be a part of his group of friends despite not being Mormon. I would thank Wes for accepting me and a few others for who we are and not forcing his beliefs upon us yet rather help us come to our own beliefs. And I would thank him for all of the good times we had together and being a great influence on my life.

I hope his family take solace in everyone's stories that Wes still lives on in the memory of those he touched. And I hope his children keep this remembrance so when they grow up they know how great a man their father was.

I write this with tears in my eyes knowing you're in a better place. Take care Wes until we all meet again.

Dan Drake

Growing Up with Wes

Danny Earl

Elementary School

Hi Wes, I am so grateful they contacted me and included me in getting in touch with you. How well I remember when you qualified for GATE or was it AT then? You were so handsome, responsible and eager to learn and take risks with things you had never done before. You seemed to be so pleased to have qualified for GATE/AT and just gave it everything you had. I remember you being well organized, quite mature, and contributing great things to class discussions. I remember you accepting challenges and persevering until they were completed with your best efforts. What a special group of kids were in your class......so many were LDS. You were all such good friends. You may not have known that I was LDS, but I knew that you were..... you were a great example to those around you. I retired in 2008, never having left Dondero, although I split my week with many other schools during those 26 years. I hope your memories of the "Dondero Dolphins " are rich ones. It was a great elementary school, kids and teachers included.

Judy Pingpank was a friend of mine, and knew that you had been one of my students. She always kept me informed of your successes and milestones in your life. I also remember really connecting with your Mom, and having so much admiration for her as a woman and as a parent. Her respect and love for your welfare were always very apparent. You gave her great cause to be proud of you.

I wish I had some pictures of you and your friends to include today, but I don't. Memories will have to suffice. Oh....I saw a beautiful picture of you with your lovely wife and wonderful children. What a beautiful family you have. God bless you and your family. You are in my prayers.

Fondly,

Bonnie Yumul

Wyoming

When we were 14, our Young Mens group headed to Wyoming for a week of adventure. It was the type of trip permission slips were created for. We rode horses into the wilderness, and slept under the stars with real cowboys. We white water rafted down the Snake river. We peed on a creepy moss covered tree trunk our guides called "the pee pole."

On one particular night, we camped near a pristine mountain lake. The next morning, in an act of teenage stupidity for which we were famous, we took turns jumping off a glacier into the icy lake. When we survived that, someone raised the stakes. A dare was issued, and a few bold swimmers prepared to swim across the 30 something degree lake. We stripped down to our underwear, and dove in. Wes and I vowed that neither of us would leave the lake without the other. About halfway across, panic began to set in. My breathing shallowed, and my body began to go numb. Then out of the corner of my eye, I saw a flash of red appear every time Wes took a stroke. "What's that?" I cried out. "They were slowing me down!" Wes yelled as he passed me up, boxer shorts in hand, and the sun gleaming off his slightly more aerodynamic pale behind. I laughed hysterically, and found the strength to carry on.

Later that afternoon, Russell Cameron agreed to slide 200 yards down a glacier for our viewing entertainment. We all promised to catch him at the bottom, before he slid onto the jagged rocks below. We lined up in two single file lines, a few feet apart from each other, planning to slow him down gradually as he slid between us. In reality, he picked up tremendous speed on his way down the mountain. And we all ended up giving him high fives as he flew past us onto the boulders.

Our group was divided between 2 rafts on the rapids. As we navigated a treacherous patch of white water, the other boat flipped. Most of the guys were able to stay with the raft, but a few got thrown in, and were now battling for their lives in the frigid, churning river. We picked up Joe Dixon, who collapsed in the boat shivering. Then we started towards the final victim, Russell Cameron. He was screaming for us to hurry. That he was cold. That he was getting pounded against the rocks below. When all of a sudden, Joe stood up at attention, placed his foot on the bow of the boat, and demanded that we save his hat. Like Washington crossing the Delaware, he took regal command of our vessel, shouting the urgency of the situation. Sure enough, his faded black Nike hat was beginning to sink on the other side of the river. On his orders, we turned the ship, and rowed with all our might towards the floundering ballcap. Russell, upon seeing our about face just as we were about to pick him up, began screaming for his life. "Help me!!" he pleaded. Our group wavered. Unsure of what to do. "He's got a life-jacket on!" Joe insisted. "My hat's sinking now! Row faster!" And so we saved the hat. And sure enough, Russell was still clinging to life by the time we got back to him.

I think my best memory of that trip was the BB Gun/battle axe incident. We'd managed to sneak a bb gun along, and would periodically shoot each other for the thrill of watching our friends suffer. As we sat in front of our small canvas tent, someone took a shot at Jacob Hatch. After years of pent up anger, Jacob finally exploded. In a fit of blind rage, he picked up a large double edged battle axe, and charged us. Nate reloaded the bb gun, took aim at Jacob's head, and shouted repeatedly for him to drop the weapon. The rest of us scrambled for our lives into the tent. We piled up against the back wall, struggling for position behind each other as Jacob approached. As he drew the axe above his head, the sun cast a long shadow over our terrified faces, like cartoon characters right before cutting to a commercial. At that instant, our leader Brother Smith saw what was transpiring, and called out, "Jacob!!" He froze. The negotiator talked him down. And any punishment coming our way seemed like child's play for having had our lives spared. (Paul, Aaron, Matt, Wes, Russell, Nathan, Joe, Austin, Ryan) And so the verdict was delivered. Swift and inexorable. Because no one would confess to shooting Jacob, Brother Smith confiscated the weapon, and prepared to mete out our just rewards. We would each be shot in the butt until someone finally confessed. So one by one, we took our position in front of the tent. Our leader loaded, aimed, and fired. A boy would yelp in pain, then go take his place by the campfire. Reload, aim, fire, shout of pain.... And this continued until everyone had a small welt on his backside. Everyone that is, but Nate. The final one to be shot, he wisely stood up, confessed, apologized to Jacob, and laughed at the rest of us.

Ryan Fitzgibbons

My Thought About Wes

Im the younger sister of Kim. Her and Wes were about the same age and went to school together. I was just the younger, annoying, weird sister who went to church with him and was in the same school for one year before he graduated.

But Wes wasn't one of those "Im too cool for the younger kid" kinda guys. If he saw me, he would wave and say hi. I would blush, or course, and would wave back thinking to myself "man, he is SO cool!". My girl friends would ask "you KNOW him" and I would be so proud to say "yup".

Wes is just the sweetest, kindest, most amazing guy in the world. He will give you the shirt off his back if he had to. Not too many gentlemen in the world anymore like him.

Love ya Wes.

Childhood Memories

As an eight year old, I remember being so excited whenever I got to tag along with the "older and cooler kids" (my older brother Ryan and his friends). I remember their high school proms and homecomings. I remember being allowed to stay up a few extra hours past my bedtime to spend time with the big kids and watch as they played board games. I even remember watching the legendary Mike Tyson fight at our home surrounded by Ryan and his friends. Of these memories and more, each one is unique. They occurred at different times, at different places and sometimes with different people. However, looking back now at each of these memories, one thing was always constant; Wes was always there. It didn't matter what the activity was or when it was or where it was...you knew Wes would be there. I remember always thinking how nice Wes was, not just to my brother and his friends, my parents, and members of our church ward, but to me too...an eight year old who often tagged along with the cool kids. He always said hello to me, and talked to me, and was simply nice. I tried to follow Wes' example when I was in high school and one of my friends' younger siblings wanted to tag along. I consistently said hello to them, talked with them and was simply nice to them, like Wes was to me. As it turned out, many of my friends later told me that their younger siblings always asked them if Jill could come over. Knowing their young siblings thought I was nice made me feel good, but I had to give that credit to Wes. I was simply paying forward something he started, that is, building confidence in a young child and making them feel just important just by being nice. Now, as a college graduate, I know I'm older than my brother and his friends were in those memories I have, but somehow, I'm not. I still see Wes as the older, cool kid whose kindness made a lifetime impression on me, and I will forever look up to him for that.

Jill (Fitzgibbons) Mohlman

The Wonder Years

One of our favorite shows growing up was The Wonder Years. And anyone wanting to catch a glimpse of Junior High Wes, need look no further than a young Fred Savage. When Nick-at-Night would play Wonder Years marathons, we’d pass the long summer nights huddled around the TV in the Truman's upstairs rumpus room for 8-10 hours at a time- eating pizza, playing chess, and practicing sleight of hand magic tricks.

To this day, when people ask how long it took to learn to make a card vanish behind my hand, I still reply “about 14 Wonder Years episodes.”

"After all, if growing up is war, than those friends who grew up with you deserve a special respect. The ones who stuck by you, shoulder to shoulder in a time when nothing was certain. When all life lay ahead, and every road led home."


-Ryan Fitzgibbons