Weston Wilcox, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away on March 5, 2025 at his home in Ortonville, MI after a year and a half battle with cancer.

He is survived by his wife, Dia; children, Garrett and Jenna with former spouse, Jane; step-children, Brian, Kristina, and Jake; siblings, Christine and Scott; and lifelong best friend, Brian. A man who lived life to the very fullest, loved deeply, and defied convention; no traditional obituary or simple words on a page will come close to capturing the person who was, and is, Wes Wilcox.

Wes was born in Dearborn, MI, the son of late Donald and Jacqueline Wilcox. He graduated from Michigan Technological University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and Design. From the very beginning, his passion for discovery and innovation grew from his father. Don worked as a marine engineer and later for General Motors, and Wes spent much of his time with his father working on motorcycles, boats, and any other “toys” that caught their interest.

After college, Wes worked for the government in defense electronics and designing sonar buoys that could be thrown out of planes and over the sides of ships to detect submarines. But the approval process could take years, and Wes always craved a quicker turn-around. He understood how fast the world could change, and not only aspired to keep up with it, but was so often one step ahead [his kids remember fondly when Wes immediately bought the first model iPod in 2001, and prophetically told them that it was not only going to change music, but subsequent designs would change “everything”].

The highlights of Wes’s illustrious career would come through his work with Trek Bicycle Corporation, where he spent nearly two decades. Drawing from his background in motorcycles with his father, Wes was instrumental in creating Trek’s first-ever full-suspension mountain bike - the Trek 9000. With a uniquely pioneering design, it marked a significant milestone for the company. In 1996 Wes established Trek’s Advanced Concept Group (AGC). Insisting the group operate out of a separate facility in order to foster a sense of freedom and creativity, Wes led the team in innovations that would help propel the company to become the industry leader. That same year, Wes and his team were awarded the “Outstanding Design and Engineering Award” by Popular Mechanics for the invention of the revolutionary “Y-Bike.” Wes went on to receive countless other awards and have many patents in his name during his time with the company.

Never one to settle for the status-quo, Wes’s pursuit of innovation led him to work for several other Wisconsin companies over the years - in both the cycling and marine industries - before capping his career at Fiskars. After decades of leading teams, it was at Fiskars where he discovered his passion for coaching. Wes received his professional coaching certification from the University of Wisconsin - Madison in 2019, and continued his coaching business after retiring from Fiskars in 2020. Through coaching, Wes’s innate ability to connect with others truly shined. Few things brought him more fulfillment, and many of his clients reported that he changed their lives.

Wes’s passion for discovery and adventure also extended to his many (many!) hobbies; including motorcycle trials, sailing, ice boating, Schutzhund dog obedience training, swimming (Jr. Olympics contender), rock climbing, mountain biking, whitewater kayaking, windsurfing, triathlons, hang gliding, and gliding (sailplanes), just to name a few. His passions not only brought himself joy, but also provided ample opportunities for him to connect with others. He notably competed in the Scottish Six Days Trial (motorcycle trials) with his father, and several Mackinac sailing races with his lifelong best friend - most recently the Bayview Mackinac Race in 2022 and 2023 with a crew that also included his brother-in-law. Wes was also an active member of the Catamaran Racing Association of Wisconsin (CRAW) with whom he sailed for many years, including with his daughter. In 2012 they went on to compete together in the Formula 18 World Championships. Wes also taught himself to play guitar in his youth, a talent he would carry through his life and inspire his own son to study music and become a composer - carrying on the legacy of shared father-son talents.

Wes’s very essence defied the mold of conformity. A spirit that danced beyond the rigid rhythms of the world. His own words impart a steadfast reminder to make the most of each day. “There is so much in life for us to feel. Let us not waste time.” He now cycles, sails, and soars forever in the hearts of those who knew him.

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