Hi Wes,

I miss and love you so much. It’s hard to believe you are not here with us. So many things have changed in these short 6 years. Some very heartbreaking and some so joyful. I have a little celebration of life garden for all of my loving family that are in heaven with you. I pray there almost every day for you, Rick and Mike. Also for Joe and Ryan. I miss my soulmate and my amazing grandson so very much. Please watch over them and give everyone a hug and kiss. I miss you big bro!
Love you always and forever, Di. xoxoxo

Oh my love how I miss you every second of every day. To feel the warmth of your heart one more time would bring such peace. I miss your smile, your laugh, and unending energy for fun. Your family always gave you such happiness throughout your life. Oh my love your grandchildren miss you so they long to feel your arms around them again. But for me, each morning starts with your smile gleaming across the morning sky and slowly turning into the evening beauty. From know until my end I will bask in your love and smile every morning with your memory. I love you always.

I can't believe it's been 4 years since you took your last breath. I miss you. Sometimes I feel like you're still here, as if any minute you'll just walk into the room and start talking to me. And, even though I know this will never happen... for a moment I pray really hard that it will. I just want to hear your voice one more time... feel you hug me tight, just once more.

I think about you every day. I often don't write here. But, yesterday, I had a melt down. I couldn't remember how long you'd been gone... it feels like an eternity, but it's only been 3 years. I miss you so much.

Wes, missing you today and always. It is so hard to believe that you have been gone a year. I think about you all the time and wish that we could have had more time together. You left us way too soon as did Rick, Mike, Joe, Mom & Dad. I know you are all watching over us. I miss all our chats and all your "brotherly" advice. I'm glad you are no longer in pain and that you have your voice. I imagine you are giving everyone advice. I love you big brother!

Love Pat

Wes, missing you today and always. It is so hard to believe that you have been gone a year. I think about you all the time and wish that we could have had more time together. You left us way too soon as did Rick, Mike, Joe, Mom & Dad. I know you are all watching over us. I miss all our chats and all your "brotherly" advice. I'm glad you are no longer in pain and that you have your voice. I imagine you are giving everyone advice. I love you big brother!

Love Pat

I thought I was prepared for today but I wasn't. I woke up this morning and felt like the wind had been knocked out of me. Tears flooding... with some seriously hard crying. I can't believe it's already been a year since we lost you. So much has happened this year... so many, many things that I wish you were here to share with us.

God, I miss you. I was not ready. I need your strength. I love you.

I did not want to tell you because you know how I always wanted to handle things myself when I could, but, I was so angry for you leaving me. After I got over my initial pain of losing you. I could not understand how you could leave me like that. It hurt so badly I did not know how to cope. Spending time alone, crying silently was counter productive but eased the pain. Until one night when my pain became almost unbearable. In my room, lights off, and an overwhelming feeling of warmth and love came rushing into my room. I suddenly felt calm, no emptiness, nothing, I felt good, whole again. Thank you my love you always know when I need you most. 

Hello my love, it has been a very long and lonely year without you. I miss you more everyday, sometimes the pain is so great because the loneliness is so large. But then I remember your love and the feel of your hugs and that lady wonderful kisses you gave me before you left and I realize no matter how difficult it is you will be watching me and making sure I am fine. I love you Wesley always have always will my love. In my dreams I seee you every night and wake up with a smile. With all my live always and forever. You are always on my mind and forever in my heart!

Hey Popop....just wanted to let you know that I miss you. Not a day goes by where I don’t think of you... where I haven’t cried over you... I miss you.. life has only gotten harder without you.. but I’m a survivor... you taught me how to survive. And I am so thankful for everything you have done for me... I only wish you could have been able to see me graduate... I love you Popop... I miss you, and you will always hold a place in my heart ❤️ ~ Brenden

I wish like hell I could talk to you. Really talk to you... I miss you so damn bad.

Hi Dad,
I thought a lot about you yesterday. I'd like to think that you got to spend mother's day with your mom... after so many years without her. Selfishly I wish you were here with me. I miss you a lot... it's just not the same without you. We'll be okay though, don't worry. It will get easier as the days pass... and it helps knowing that you're at peace.

By the way, we finally found the perfect urn for you. I know you always teased us that when you passed you wanted to have your ashes put into an urn and them have your eyes painted on it so you could watch us and haunt us from the afterlife! hahahaha.... Sorry, that's not the route we're going to take... But you won't be disappointed ... I promise.

Mom sent me some pictures yesterday that made me smile. I really appreciated them a lot.

The boys are doing really good. Brenden is a pretty good driver, shockingly! I think you'd be pretty impressed. And he's PASSING all his classes!!! He's really had a rough year, but I'm very proud of how he's coped with everything and how well he's doing despite everything. Reese keeps reminding me that he's hitting the "big 1-0" this year... DOUBLE DIGITS! Can you believe it?? He's gottens so big and he's so smart.

We love you, daddy. Missing you...

Thank you my love for being with me in a most terrifying time. I felt you near me during my surgery and was not afraid at all. Thank you my love for holding me close and watching after me as you always did. I miss you so much!

4 months, 9 days, and 17 hours 42 minutes has passed since my soulmate had to leave me and took half of my heart to help reduce the pain and emptiness that darkened my very soul. The anger in that morning after you reached for me and kissed me, not wanting to stop and after a few minutes of your warmth you were gone. We both knew the pain the other would feel, but knew we would be together again like we always are. My dearest beloved Wesley, after taking care of all our children and meeting our great ones, we will be together again to celebrate another life. Until then I can only send my undying love and wait to rid myself of the painful darkness that fill the emptiness in what is left of my heart. So after the next thirty years are done I may be ready to meet you, until then always remember the very special love we shared. I miss you so.

Hey dad... just wanted to let you know that I feel you with me today... while I drive through the mountains. Nice ride... beautiful, even if the trees are bare.

Well, when someone so close to our hearts passes on to be with the Lord, there is not many words that can be said to make it any easier for us down on this earth. Its always the easiest just to say "they are in a better place" or "at least they are not suffering anymore". In reality, that is true. Both statements are- in more cases than one. The truth is, our family lost an incredible man. My uncle, a husband to his dearest, a father, the brother to some and a friend to many! We have so many special memories that we need to remember, cherish and just hold on to. Because how can we forget? I know its easy to remember a person most after they got sick. When I think of my dad, my first thoughts were of him being in the hospital. We may all have different beliefs and different opinions. Some will mourn, some may cry. Others will feel anger and hatred. Then some will feel comfort and relief. There is no easy way to accept someone passing because God needed them more in heaven than down on earth. Sometimes we don't know all the answers or why God takes our loved ones away. And with that, we will never understand the reasons. For this is such a sad time for the family but rejoice in the lord because he will have a new body in heaven. He will meet Jesus and walk on the streets of Gold. He will fly with angels and won't have to worry about blemishes or scars, backaches or bruises. He is healed and can now be added to the guardian angels that already watch over us. I love you soooo much uncle Wes. And i will NEVER EVER EVER forget all the good times and those sweet moments spent with you! Please tell my dad I said hello. And we...we will see you in our winter cardinals! And feel your spirit in the wind through the trees. We will see you in the clouds above and always when we close our eyes. You are forever in our hearts. Now forever another of our angels!!!! To my family, I want you all to know that I love each and every one of you! This is not an ending.. It is a new beginning for him and there will come a time when we will see them all again!!!

With all my love, warmth and tears,
Andrea

I love you my big BRO. I will always hold you near and dear to my heart. God Speed!!

Thank you Autumn for creating this memorial. It gives the family a place to write, pray, share, come together as a family and most importantly, to send beautiful & fun memories to our dear Brother, Father, Uncle, Brother-in-Law, Friend and oh a Pop Pop to 3 beautiful grandchildren. It means a lot to his siblings that we can share growing up with a crazy, carefree man that we will always cherish. Karen stood by her brother, your mom, brother and Alex for many, many weeks. She never left his side except to go home for Thanksgiving. She held his hand, talked to him, prayed for him and made sure he was cared for with love. We owe her more then I can ever express. I know you wished you were the one but we all know how that wasn't possible. You have children, a husband and a job. You were there with him and he knew that. So don't you worry my sweet niece and godchild. You are blessed with two beautiful sons and a wonderful husband. Be proud of what your father taught you and make him proud as you thrive and blossom in your new job. I am taking you up on next fall so be ready to put up with me for a good solid week. I am looking forward to seeing you and the family. Stay true to you always. Love, Aunt Di

My thoughts for Uncle Wes: From his niece, Terri

My favorite memory of Uncle Wes is going to his house during Christmastime. I remember going in the evenings and it would be nothing short of freezing outside. But inside, it was always warm and full of love. I always remember the feeling of entering their house, they had a bright tree with a star and fun homemade ornaments. They would always get me a little gift for Christmas, and have music playing and snacks for us. I can't explain it, but there was something special about going to Uncle Wes' house. I think it was because it didn't have the polished suburbanite feel, or maybe because it was always an experience going there. I don't know, but I know that there was always the feeling of love and family.

Matthew 6.9 - 13 (The Lord's Prayer) - (Final prayer joined by all)

Our Father who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever.

Amen.

Isaiah 41:10 (3rd reading)

10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
  do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Psalm 23 (2nd reading)

A psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2   He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3   he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
  for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
  through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil,
  for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
  they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
  in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
  my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
  all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
  forever.

Amen.

Psalm 103 (1st Reading at Wes's funeral)

Of David.

1 Praise the Lord, my soul;
  all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the Lord, my soul,
  and forget not all his benefits—
3 who forgives all your sins
  and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
  and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
  so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

6 The Lord works righteousness
  and justice for all the oppressed.
7 He made known his ways to Moses,
  his deeds to the people of Israel:
8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
  slow to anger, abounding in love.
9 He will not always accuse,
  nor will he harbor his anger forever;
10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
  or repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
  so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
  so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

13 As a father has compassion on his children,
  so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
14 for he knows how we are formed,
  he remembers that we are dust.
15 The life of mortals is like grass,
  they flourish like a flower of the field;
16 the wind blows over it and it is gone,
  and its place remembers it no more.
17 But from everlasting to everlasting
  the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,
  and his righteousness with their children’s children—
18 with those who keep his covenant
  and remember to obey his precepts.

19 The Lord has established his throne in heaven,
  and his kingdom rules over all.

20 Praise the Lord, you his angels,
  you mighty ones who do his bidding,
  who obey his word.
21 Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts,
  you his servants who do his will.
22 Praise the Lord, all his works
  everywhere in his dominion.

Praise the Lord, my soul.

Amen.

I will forever miss you, Wes. You were an important part of my life, and I have many fond memories of our childhood, and as we got older. We grew up poor, but we had a lot of special memories. Remember when all of us built that HUGE igloo out back on Keswick Road when we had a really bad snow storm? Or the many Christmases that Mom and Dad always managed for us with very little money? As you got older, you helped Mom and Dad provide for us. How about our Thanksgivings at Grandma Poole’s house where all the kids (us) were lined up on the stairs with our dinner plates, while the adults ate at the dining table and then we would all play cards. How about all those memories at Uncle Stanley’s when we would go fishing, crabbing swimming, and when Mom and Uncle T would sing at the local bar? Fun times…great memories.

As the oldest brother, it was your job to pick on your younger sisters. And you took it in stride! One of my memories was when I was very young and had to go to the bathroom, sooo badly. But when I started up the stairs, you told me a ghost was up there hiding in the attic waiting for me. I was too afraid to go up the steps and started crying. You always told me I was adopted, and I believed it after hearing it so much, and with your “evidence” that there were no baby pictures. I even made up a new last name for myself. You were Mom’s first born and although parents aren’t supposed to have favorites, you were the apple of her eye. You could get away with anything with her! You even had a way of getting your baby sisters to see things your way. Somehow you managed to talk me into going on a motorcycle ride with you. To this day, I still don’t know how. But you drove us around Snake Road, and I was so scared because that road was exactly its name. Thanks to you, that was my first motorcycle ride, and my last!

I loved when we all got together and ate crabs, had cookouts, family reunions, played horse shoes, cards, talked and laughed. How about the time we went to Atlantic City, the spur of the moment, late at night? Even though we lost, we had a great time. You always gave me advice, whether I wanted it or not, LOL, I may not have taken your advice, most likely I didn’t, but I always listened with a smile.

I know you know how much I love you and how much I will miss you. I love you, respect you, and I’m happy that you are no longer in pain and suffering. You are in good hands with Mom, Dad, Rick, Mike, your buddy, Joe, and the rest of our family in heaven. I love you. Wes. Ride your motorcycle, and let your voice soar.

Love your sister, Pat

To Wesley, my brother-in-law, actually no, he is more like a brother to me. I became closer to the Pooles and the Hyles than my own family. Wesley’s road has been long. How lucky we were to have had you with us this long. You always managed to beat the odds. I have many memories with you and the family. The one that stands out the most was the time you took me crabbing. We spent the entire day collecting the crabs and when we got back to my house, you went home first to clean up before steaming them. When you called to tell me you were heading back, I told you that I put the crabs in regular fresh water. I thought I was helping. Oh my, you went spastic on me and yelled GET THEM OUT and said I am on my way! Boy, were you livid! You don’t mess with Wes and his seafood.

Oh well, we only lost a few. We still steamed the ones that were left, and had a great time with family. That was my first and only time crabbing. It is much easier to buy them!

Rest in peace, Wes. You are with your heavenly family now.

We're here today to celebrate a man who left us way too soon, but who leaves a larger than life footprint behind. There’s not a single person here with us today, in person and in spirit, who can say their life was unchanged by knowing Uncle Wes. I truly believe that to be true. He was too much a bright light, and he affected all of us. He was a free spirit, a rebel, a wanderer. He was the Uncle who showed up to family reunions with his shirt off and a new tattoo, the one you knew was coming to visit, not because of a prior phone call to let you know, but because you just heard a motorcycle revving to get up the driveway. He was the Uncle who would reach for a beer, when in his other hand he already had one half way full. He fiercely loved his family, and we loved him back. At every family event we had, I wanted to see what Uncle Wes had to say, because I knew I was about to be taken for a ride. 

I am not as much the free spirit, which is why the sense of adventure Uncle Wes instilled in me at a young age is so important to me. It has left its mark, quite literally. The scar on my ankle from the motorcycle exhaust burn tells the story of the one time he took me on a motorcycle ride. “Don’t tell your mother,” he said. Aunt Bree warned me to watch out for the exhaust, but I really didn’t know what that was and I was too excited and nervous, so I just hopped on the bike behind my Uncle. I didn’t even know my foot hurt until after the ride was over. He took us around our neighborhood in Maryland. The turns were a little scary, but the straight-aways were the most exhilarated I’ve ever felt. In that moment, on the back of the bike, with the wind biting into my face, I knew why my “crazy” family loved it. As an adult, I can only compare it to the feeling I get at a live rock show. It’s unbridled joy, and I am so happy that it is something my Uncle shared with me. I am so proud to carry that scar.

I of course, told my mother later, because I couldn’t stand to keep a secret from her. Boy, did she lay into him! And he had no idea that I’d gotten burned because I wanted to be brave for him.

As much as he was spontaneous and wild, and after so much adventure, he had a softer side that he revealed with his family. I’ve found out that some of the most special times, are the quietest. And I will never forget kicking back with him around the bonfire at Aunt Di’s and Uncle Joe’s when I was finally over 21 so I could at last share a Rolling Rock or two with one of the people who has made such a difference in my life.

Instead of goodbye, I say cheers. And I know that next time I grab a cold one, you’ll be right there with me. I love you, rev up that motorcycle and ride on.

Wesley, I am eternally grateful to be a part of your life and a part of your family's history. I will take care of your loving grandchildren with Autumn, this is a promise I make to you. I will continue to support and love your Daughter in all her worldly endeavors, who will eternally love you. 

   Wesley you showed me how much of a kind and accepting a person you are, when you let me into your home, and life of your grandson and daughter, the first year Autumn and I were together. You showed me how important family is. Family in fact is so important to you, you moved from Hickory to the cold winters of New York just so you could be near Autumn and the Boys. You let me return the kindness of hospitality when you were sick and needed our help. You showed us how important we are to you when you visited by yourself just a few years ago. You even in the final days that we saw you showed a fire and a love for your family that any person would be proud of. You showed me that including family in every part of a person’s life wasn’t only important in my family but it was and is important in Autumns family.

   Wesley you leave a legacy of love, laughter and freedom that many people can only hope for in their lives. You are close to all of our hearts and wherever you are I know happiness and joy are not far behind.

Forever grateful,
Bobby

As you lift from the ground as a new being, the wind surrounding you and picking you up and carrying you to the sky. Just remember whom you have here on the Earth you leave behind. We are your legacy, your past and your future. We shall never forget you nor we will ever try to. The Angels will take you. They will greet you with a smile and welcome you through the Gates of Paradise. They will cleanse you of all sins and place the round crown above your head. You will feel a small pinch in your back as giant beautiful white-feathered wings spread from your back and now you are able to take flight.

My dear Grandfather, My dear motorcycle buddy, my dear Friend… There are so many things I can call you but only one will truly stick out. You are my Poppop I love you so much and I hope you find all the happiness you could ever dream of in the afterlife. And with this I Release you from the tethers of the earth that bind your soul here. I love you Poppop and I shall always carry your memory. ~Brenden 

To my Grandfather, Who was one of the best people I could ever have known. I was so blessed that I had you in my life and even if given the opportunity to change anything I wouldn't. I love you and I will always miss you. Even though I know your stubborn butt will always haunt me if I do wrong or even if you just want to haunt me. You are always with me in Mind and Sprit and of course my Heart. I hope you find peace on the other side

~ Love your motorcycle buddy

Today, we celebrate the life of my father and we remember all the good times. There were many good times… I am blessed to have so many memories to recall whenever I want to think about my dad. He was my protector and my biggest fan – and I’ve lived my life trying to make him proud of the person I am, all because of him. The last time I saw my father, I knew his passing was near. I told him that he didn’t have to be my protector anymore… because I’m all grown up. I told him not to worry, that it was my turn to take care of him… that I would take it from “here.” But, I’m not quite finished talking to my dad.

Daddy,

Because of you – I am drug free. I grew up being taught how drugs and poor life choices would affect me. Because of your openness and honesty about your addiction, I was motivated to make the right choice when I crossed that path in my life. You saved me – thank you, daddy!

Because of you – my family is everything to me. In fact, I proudly introduced “forced family fun,” (when we make our kids do family stuff) in the name of you! I had a lot of that in my life growing up! You MADE me go out on the boat almost every weekend. You MADE me go to the fireworks. You MADE me go to family reunions. You MADE me spend time with my family. As a teenager, I was always so eager to ignore you and do my own thing… but as an adult I CHERISH the memories and the time I spent with you … all because you MADE me. Thank you, daddy!

Because of you – I am successful. You were a hard workingman. You worked your butt off to provide for us. Long, tiring, cold days … coming home at 10 or 11pm and up and out again by 5am – I remember. You made sure that I had everything and I needed AND everything I WANTED! But you also taught me to appreciate the things I have. I got my first job when I was 14 years old… because, to 14-year-old me, that was a natural progression in life. Thank you, daddy!

Dad, you were my confidant and, most of all, my friend. I am proud of you and everything you did for us. I miss the hell out of you, but you will always be part of me and I will not let your memory die with you. Your body may be gone, but your soul is free. Take care of Kaden for me; I feel comfort that she has you now.

Love always,
Pumpkin

I have always admired your carefree, wild, wonderful and free spirited way of life. You were you, nothing more and nothing less. We loved you that way. I remember my first date with Joe. We doubled dated with you and Bree at Carlin's drive-in. The move was "Lady Sings the Blues" with Diana Ross. We ate crabs and drank beer, I think Rolling Rock, but I ended up with a coke....lol Bree and I enjoyed the 4 of us hanging out, going camping, crabbing and, oh yeah, water skiing. Then kids came.....how life changed and our priorities did also. You were a good family man but you still controlled your life. Oh how many times we were startled by your LOUD Harley pulling up our driveway. It was always a joy to see you on your beloved Harley. Joe loved you dearly. He waned to come visit you so bad during his last year while he was ill. He knew you weren't doing so well either but he was determined to get better and come visit. Now you two are together drinking Rolling Rock and Coors Light (If they allow that in heaven). Playing Texas hold'em and fishing on the bay. Setting on the dock of the bay watching the tide roll away. That's how I envision you and Joe right at this very moment in time. Love you always and forever. When the time comes full circle I will see you, my beloved Joe, Rick, Mike, Mom, Dad and all our afterlife family. Until then, I know you are free again, out of pain and just as handsome with your long hair as I always remembered. Hugs and Kisses to you and tell my Joe I love him and miss him. We are going to have a Rolling Rock party around your birthday to celebrate your life. Love, Di

So sad to know how much you suffered these last few years. You were always a free spirited guy - well your suffering has ended and you are with the Lord and all the loved ones in heaven before you. We will miss you Wes!

I want to say a special thank you to all of our family and friends who were there to help and support my mother emotionally and to help her through everything over the last several years. I especially want to thank my Aunt Karen, and her other half Danny, for being with my mother as often as they were and putting their own lives aside to help care for my parents. While I wish I could've been the one to take that role, it just wasn't possible. I am grateful.