Wesley Aaron Oliver

In Loving Memory of Wesley Aaron Oliver

Our hearts are heavy as we share that Wes Aaron Oliver passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 1, 2025, at the age of 52.

Wes was born on July 5, 1973, at Nelson Hospital in Nelson, BC. He spent his early years there before moving with his mom and stepdad to Merritt, BC, where he grew up, made lifelong friends, and graduated from high school. Not long after, Wes returned to the Kootenays, where he built a close and lasting bond with his Aunt Max and Uncle, a relationship that helped shape the kind, generous man we all came to love.

Becoming a dad was the greatest joy of Wes’s life. His son Tylor and stepson Dyllon were his pride and joy, the light of his world. In time, his heart grew even bigger with the arrival of his grandchildren Azaria, Drayden, Mekylah, Alicia, Payton, and Draven, each one bringing him endless smiles and stories to tell. He adored his niece Nikki and welcomed Sarah into his heart as a daughter-in-law.

Though Wes’s family was small, and not every connection was easy, he turned those challenges into strength and became one of the most loving, loyal, and genuine men you could ever meet. His life motto was “friends to family,” and he lived by it. Wes had a rare gift for making everyone feel seen, accepted, and cared for. His love had no limits, no judgment, and no strings attached. If you were lucky enough to know Wes, you knew what it felt like to be loved unconditionally.

Wes worked hard his entire life, not for himself but for the people he loved. Even on his last day, he was still thinking of others. He never let a moment go by without cracking a joke or dropping a quick one-liner. If you ever asked him for help, he’d smirk and say, “five bucks,” before rolling up his sleeves and getting it done.

And of course, Wes’s humor was unforgettable, often visible from a mile away. He was almost never seen without one of his trademark funny (and sometimes wildly inappropriate) shirts, which made everyone laugh, shake their heads, or both.

He dreamed of retiring on Aunt Max’s property, and his family will make sure a part of him finds its way there, a piece of his heart coming home just as he wished.

Wes loved the simple joys: camping at his dear friends Jen and Kevin's place, affectionately known as “The Playground,” where he could recharge and relax, cooking and competing in legendary cook-offs with Kevin, watching WWE wrestling, laughing at the Food Network, and sharing a stiff drink and a good time with those he loved most.

The world feels dimmer without him, but those who loved Wes know he would want us to keep laughing, keep loving, and keep turning friends into family.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, humor, and one-of-a-kind T-shirts that will never be forgotten by Tylor, Dyllon, Aunt Max, Nikki (Dalton), Sarah (Brent), his grandchildren, and the countless friends who were lucky enough to be part of his life.

A special thanks is extended to Jen, Kaela, Chris, and Theresa who, after such a significant loss, came together in true Wes fashion to help with the arrangements and care of Tylor through such a challenging time.