Wesley James McLachlan

Wesley James McLachlan, age 71, passed away Monday, October 30th, 2023, at Cypress Regional Hospital in Swift Current, surrounded by his loved ones.

Wes was born June 12, 1952, in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, the second son of Donald McLachlan and Lillian Jeffrey. He grew up on the family farm south of Herbert, and enjoyed spending time with his siblings, tending to the horses, and working the land with his father, favorite uncle Delbert, and his grandfather Willie. Wes was among the first students to graduate from Swift Current Comprehensive High School in 1969, and later married Valorie Gerl on November 6, 1971. Together they moved around the province every few years, and welcomed two sons into the family – Michael, in 1973 while living in Horsham, SK, and Trevor in 1977 while living in Regina, SK. Wes worked diligently as a grain buyer at many elevators, including the Paterson elevator in Horsham and the Cargill elevator in Rowatt where he worked for several years. Wes and Val divorced in 1988, and he and the boys moved to the family farm in 1989 and later into Swift Current in 1993.

Wes was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in November of 1990, and served for many years with the dear friends he made in the Swift Current congregation. He was steadfast in his faith until the very end, and always kept his favorite scripture close to his heart; Revelations 21: 3-5.

In February of 1993, Wes married Rita Olson and retired in 2012 following an injury sustained at work. In the following years he spent many hours visiting with his cousins, traveling around the province to any rodeo he could find, and making friends with anyone who frequented Springs Garden every morning like he did. Wes remained a farm boy at heart, and never lost his love of horses, old time country songs, and western movies. He was inherently stubborn and independent, but was also hard working, compassionate, and loyal to those he loved.

Wes is survived by his wife, Rita; his two sons, Michael (Melissa) of Swift Current, Trevor (Jessica) of Edmonton, AB, and one step-son, Aaron Olson, of Burnaby, BC; his grandchildren, Dylan, Kaitlyn, Jaliesa (Tavi), and Pierce; his three siblings, Wayne (Linda) of Calgary, AB, Grant (Dianne), and Beverley (James) Maxwell, all of Swift Current; his 7 nieces and nephews; his dearest cousins Marlene Andrew of Swift Current, Collette Dupuis and Bonnie DuPont both of Calgary, AB; as well as numerous cousins and beloved friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Lillian in 2014 and Don in 2015, Aunt Evelyn Yake in 2017, as well as special cousin Ronny DuPont in 2020.

At Wes’ request, there will be a graveside dedication in lieu of a funeral, held in 2024 for the immediate family. In memory of Wes, donations can be made to the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Canada by visiting donate.jw.org.

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