As an avid outdoors man, the motto Wes lived by was “to get out there and climb mountains” and to do it as often as he could. He encouraged his friends to do the same. Wes loved mentoring up-and-coming hunters. For example, he enjoyed calling in turkeys with his daughter and her friend Bridget. He had a gift for making animal calls. Wes also had the ability to hike for miles on end and still have the strength and endurance to pack out an entire elk. Something we often heard heard him say, “You’ve gotta make memories, in your state or another.”

Wes was such a devoted and caring person. He might not have said it but you always knew you were loved. He loved his daughter, Holly. She could call him with anything day or night. Wes didn’t know a stranger. He was given the talent to entertain others and loved making people laugh. Bubba always knew how to push your buttons. He had a knack for tormenting — all in good fun, though. The more he did it, the more you were loved. To know him was to love him. He thought of himself as “‘the nucleus” — everyone revolved around him, and we did. His presence alone could light up a room. Wes was always so animated. He could tell a story and make you feel like you were in it. His captivating, vivid details and good sense of humor could keep you right on the edge of your seat. Clear down to the sweat running in rivers in places none of us cared to know about and yet he always told you anyway. All those words of wisdom, wisecracks and tall tales are imprinted on us. His adventurous spirit and willingness to be on the go in a heartbeat will live on in our hearts forever.

Wes is preceded in death by his mother June Gleaton.

He is survived by his hunting and life partner of 10 years Amanda Pelletier, daughter Holly,father James Gleaton (Nancy Gleaton), sisters Jennifer Gillam and Kyri Cox, brothers-in-law Mark Gillam and South Cox, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great-nephews, and countless friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017 at the Rio Dell Southern Baptist Church at noon. Immediately following, a celebration of Bubba’s life will be held at the Fortuna Fire Department.