Maurice Westland Obituary

What a wonderful journey it was…

In his final weeks, Wes was surrounded by his loving family - his two daughters, their spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren from around the country as they shared stories of the family adventures.

Born on May 11, 1926 to parents Wen and Mary Westland, Wes grew up with his younger brother, Ken, who preceded him in death. He spent his youth in the outdoors and helping on family farms. Sunday gatherings always included large Swedish and German extended families.

Wes graduated from Washington State University in 1948 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. It was at WSU that he met his future wife of fifty-six years, Patricia Ann Simons. They were married and had two daughters, Wendy and Pam. Soon after graduation, he went to work in the retail hardware business, first in Hoquiam, Washington, and later in Pasco, Washington.

In 1957, an opportunity came up to work for the Carbon division of Union Carbide Corporation. Soon the close knit family of four started their corporate career with moves to cities throughout the USA. They took residence in Niagara Falls, New York, Bergenfield, New Jersey, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Naperville, Illinois, and for over ten years in New Canaan, Connecticut where Wes commuted to Union Carbide headquarters in Manhattan. He was a natural in the corporate world and had the ability to deal with numerous complex products and businesses. His positions included National Director of Sales and Director of Government and Industry Relations.

In 1975, at the age of 49, Wes decided to leave the corporate life. His research, travels, and experience brought him to Colorado and the Midas business. Two small Midas shops in Colorado Springs were just the start, and soon became a family business. Together with his son-in-law, Ron, and brother, Ken, Wes grew the Midas business to seven stores by the time of his retirement in 1989. In 1987, Wes was named National Midas Dealer of the Year. The family business continues with ten stores now owned and managed by a third generation, his grandson, Jeff.

In Colorado Springs, Wes was active in the community. He served on the Memorial Hospital Board and was a founding member and partner in National Bank of the West. Additionally, he belonged to Colorado Springs Executive Association, The El Paso Club, and Colorado Springs Country Club, just to name a few.

Patt and Wes' love of their native Pacific Northwest didn't end with their moves across the country. In the mid-80s they built a second home on Penn Cove in Coupeville, Washington in the heart of Puget Sound. Wes bought a boat and spent much of his time exploring the San Juan Islands and made several trips up the coast to Alaska. Spring in Florida, summers in Washington, and winters in Colorado skiing, plus world traveling, made for a fun-filled retirement.

Wes lost the love of his life, Patt, in 2004, and soon developed another role as "Grandpa-Great" to his eight great-grandchildren, ages one to fourteen. He is survived by his two daughters, Wendy (Gary) Ayars of Redmond, Washington, and Pam (Ron) Genuario of Colorado Springs; four grandchildren, Jeff (Elizabeth) Genuario of Castle Rock, Colorado, James (Kristy) Genuario of Lone Tree, Colorado, Drew (Sara) Ayars of Kirkland, Washington, and Shannon (Matt) Ayars-Schram of Oak Harbor, Washington.

A family celebration of his life will be held in Coupeville, Washington at a later date.

The Westland family would like to thank Pikes Peak Hospice for their professional care and compassion in Wes' final days. The family suggests that donations in his memory be made to Pikes Peak Hospice, Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve on Whidbey Island, or the charity of your choice.

Our loving Dad/Gramps/Grandpa-Great left on his final journey on June 20, 2017 just as his lived his life . . . with a smile and a twinkle in his blue eyes!