Old time photo shoot

Wedding

Wasson family learning pottery

I have so many good memories of Wes while visiting the Wasson house and growing up with Mark, particularly with Wes playing board games with us and always cracking jokes and interesting tidbits with the family. Some cherished memories came from the very special Mediterranean cruise I had the chance to take with the family. One memory I have is Wes not bringing his electric razor, so he borrowed Mark’s - and somehow worked through the whole battery in one go! I remember being impressed that his beard had so much gusto. 

The news of Wes's passing was so shocking and so sad.  I've been thinking about it every day since the day I saw the update on Facebook.  Wes was an amazing person.  I met him as a student at Biola when he expressed interest in organizing a short term mission trip to India with India Evangelical Mission, the organization my parents (GV and Mariamma Mathai) started shortly after my Dad finished Biola many years prior.  It truly was Wes's extraordinary leadership skills that helped launch the largest student-led overseas missions trip Biola had ever participated in, with 37 students. My brother Dayan and little sister Sheela who was 10 at the time were also on the seven-week trip as were a good number of Biola nursing students, including  Heidi.  (I believe Wes and Heidi's relationship was kindled in India, but Heidi can correct me!).  Wes stood out as a leader throughout our time in India. He helped our group navigate cross-culturally and demonstrated patience, acumen,  careful and skillful planning  and execution, all undergirded by a love for Christ and His people.  We were honored to attend Wes and Heidi's wedding and my parents became friends with Wes's parents and family and made many trips to Kingman, Arizona.  We would tease my parents because since Malayalam is their first language, they couldn't easily pronounce the "w" sound, so Dad always talked about "Ves Vosun".  Throughout the years I have observed and admired Wes's incredible success in business and visionary leadership, remembering the early signs of it at Biola and marveling at his skills.  His love for Heidi and his family was so evident, and I know the ministry of IEM has been blessed many times over because of Wes and his family's support over many years.  Our dad ended his earthly journey on November 2, just two months ago, and we received a touching email from Wes.   We are grateful to God for Wes Wasson and how God used him for His glory and purposes. I marvel at the abilities God gave him and how he used it to further the kingdom in extraordinary ways.  I have much to learn from Wes and look forward to hearing so much at the service tomorrow. May the Lord hold his family tightly as they grieve and reflect on his amazing life. 

I am so thankful for my brother in Christ. I know that this is only a transition, a homecoming for my brother, but there still feels like there is a hole where a great man once was. There is no telling how many lives he impacted, encouraged, and improved. He (and the whole Wasson family) is a picture of the practical love of Jesus, the true hope of all mankind. Wes will be missed, and I wish that he had had many more years to demonstrate the love that he so faithfully did.

Je connais Wes depuis 9ans. J’ai beaucoup apprécié sa disponibilité, son esprit de service en-dehors de ses grandes qualités intellectuelles et spirituelles. Son départ est une grande perte pour la famille et pour tous ceux qui l’ont connu. Je prie que Dieu soutienne Heidi et toute sa famille

I have no words for this loss we share. My brother in law Wes helped write the words when my husband Dan died. He was a wordsmith.He was always helping! My heart breaks for Heidi and family. Wes lived out "love your neighbor" so there is a lot of family! There is hole in our world, an emptiness that hurts. We have so many memories of days and meals and games and laughter in their home. Wes and Heidi were especially generous to us whenever we returned stateside, letting us stay with them, and taking us on outings and adventures. Wes showed great hospitality not just within inviting us into his home and to his table, but into his life. 

I always looked up to Uncle Wes and enjoyed spending time with him at family reunions and get togethers. He was so smart and yet down to Earth. He was the definition of a servant - willing to do any task to help people (give rides to family, change light bulbs, help clean up, etc.) He loved people so well and it showed in everything he did. He also loved Jesus and I enjoyed hearing him share about this. I'm so grateful he was a part of our family. I know he will be missed by a great many people. I am sad he's gone so soon, but I know he did a lot on this Earth and touched many lives in an amazing way. I look forward to chatting with him in Heaven and playing games again with him (I want him on my team!) I feel a lot of hurt for Aunt Heidi and Cousins Renee and Mark. You all continue to be in our family's prayers. We love you! We plan to see you Saturday in San Diego when we celebrate the life of Uncle Wes together. 

I met Wes in early 2016 when I briefly worked at DreamStart Labs as the team was gaining traction in Tanzania. Even though I would only stay on the team for less than 2 months and met Wes just the one time in person, his kindness and thoughtfulness shined brightly and he had every mark of a genuine soul. 

I’m devastated by the news of his passing and pray for comfort and strength for all his family, friends and loved ones. 

Till we meet again Wes, I’ll retain only fond memories. 

I 

I had the privilege of knowing Wes through his connection with Biola University where I work and where he and Heidi graduated.  Wes often gave of his time to help Biola students as a mentor and teacher in the Business Department.  He was both generous with his time (coming all the way to Biola from SD) and his resources. 

Although I did not get to spend a lot of time with Wes - I loved each time we were able to get together.  I loved the authenticity of his faith, his spiritual curiosity  and his willingness to question assumptions we sometimes make about our faith.  I always thought what a joy it must have been for the men who participated in the Bible study with him!  I know I would have loved being a part of that group.

Wes had a genuine humility about him that I was very drawn to.  I would have loved to have spent more time with him but am so grateful for the times we did share.  I prayed for him often during this difficult journey and will continue to pray for Heidi and the rest of the family.  I wish he could give us a hint of what heaven is like.

Uncle Wes was like Jim from the Office at our family get togethers. Whenever something funny would happen you would look at him and he would just give you a deadpan stare or slight shrug of acknowledgement. 

He would play pranks too, my Grandma was hyper-scheduled for family reunions and would create detailed programs of everything that needed to take place. Right in front of her Wes sat at her computer and started editing her program and printed one out and just handed it to her while she was talking to someone (or everyone). When she finally gathered everyone she looked down at the fake program Wes had given her with concerned perplexion. Then followed a rant on how there was no way this could have happened, while many of us were snickering and Wes sat there with a wry smile. I think he had to do some chores to eventually get back in her good graces.

As a kid my view of Uncle Wes was that he was funny, but a little intimidating. He was quick-witted, composed and impressive.

After I graduated from college I was looking for a job in San Diego and Heidi and Wes were living there. I was driving to an interview when I got into a wreck, I ended up missing the interview and rescheduled it but didn't have a car to get to the interview. Heidi told me I could stay at their house and use one of their cars to go to the interview. I remember taking a bus down to San Diego from Riverside and Uncle Wes picked me up at the bus  station.

During the car ride he spoke to me with real care and warmth. It may have been the first time I had ever been alone having a conversation with him. I still think about some of the advice he gave to me. The interview was a dud, the job wasn't what I had expected. But the trip down there and the care Heidi and Wes showed me helped more than they knew.

In the years following I always enjoyed my conversations with Wes, admired his generosity, was impressed with his critical thinking and curiosity, and humbled by his service attitude. 

When my dad passed almost 3 years ago now, Wes wrote one of the most beautiful remembrances for him. I thought of his words often during that time and I feel it only right to quote them, "As we struggle with the reality that you’re gone, it’s easy to feel a sense of emptiness. But the truth is, the world is far LESS empty because of what you poured into it."You said it best yourself. I love you Uncle Wes and I will miss you.

Dear Heidi, we are very grateful to you and Wes for our visits with you all and the beautiful ways you blessed our family. Thank you from our hearts. I am sending a donation to the Wes Wasson Memorial Fund now. 

We are praying for you, asking God to bring you warmth and solace and a blanket of God’s love as you remember the beautiful times you and Wes shared. Sending our love, Bill and Karren Windsor

We have known Wes and Heidi since their college days at Biola. They attended our Missionary Kids Bible study for at least 6 years. When we moved to the mountains to build our retreat home for Missionary Kids in colleges nearby Wes and Heidi took over the Bible study for awhile in their home. We didn't have a  lot of contact until they moved back to Southern California and invited us to their guest house in Sunset Beach. We enjoyed them serving us dinner the first time we stayed there. They told us they modeled their kitchen after ours in Hacienda Has where I served hundreds of meals to MK. We so enjoyed getting back together with them the many times we were given the privilege to use their guest house. Our daughter, Dawn, was privileged to work with Wes in his Dreamstart ministry for a few years. We are so sad for Heidi and their family. We know they will miss him so much. He did so much in the years he had, more than most people in a much longer lifetime. God said well done , my son, time to come home. Our love and prayers for comfort for the family, especially Heidi.

Dear Heidi, I am so sorry for your loss.

I am sure this has been a trial like none other.

Like many others, my career progression and choices are a direct result of his invaluable insight, knowledge and creativity of which I am profoundly grateful. As a mentor and most importantly a friend, Wes always made time for me whether it was a business or personal. While unmatched in marketing and strategy, I cherish and appreciate most Wes' humility, sense of humor and kind heart.

Wes, my friend, I miss you.

Heidi and family, sending you my sincerest condolences.  

I was a fellow board member with Wes at the Kroc School. I held him in deep admiration for his business savvy, generous spirit, and kind heart. He was a major inspiration for me contributing to the school. I’m so sorry for your loss.

Dear Heidi, God bless you and your family.  I know too well the crowding emotions so bitter-sweet. We’re lifting you all in our prayers and thankful for the time we had. 

Dan & Stephanie Holgate