Date: 10/19/2005
From: Shirley Reynolds Rohr
Message: Cheryl, Jen and Mom, Your dad and husband had a full life. I can only hope we can follow him and do him proud. He was a graet guy, and you all are great people. All my Love to you , Shirley

Date: 6/20/2005
From: Bj Chick
Message: I met Wes through his daughter Cheryl. While my acquantence was brief, it was clear that he had led an extraordinary life committed to his family. He seemed a strong man with convictions and opinions well thought threw. I regret not knowing him more personally, but felt I knew him well through the stories conveyed to me by Cheryl. It was reported to me that he not only lived a good life, but lived a good death as well. My prayers go to his famly and friends as they move through their grief and loss.

Date: 6/9/2005
From: Belen
Message: Hi. My name is Belen and I live in NY. I did not know Raymond. I apologize first of all if what I’m going to tell has no relevance or bothers some of Raymond’s family members. My intention is to just share with you what I know with the utmost respect in case it has any relevance to the family. I had a dream this past night about someone called Raymond Strange. It was a good dream that started in some sort of community where he was living very closely with other people, physically, as he was sharing rooms with them, and emotionally as they seemed to share a special bond. I think some of them were Asian. He became very popular in this community and people called him Raymond Strange. While he was there he seemed to be interested in art, either he wanted to paint or painted himself or he liked to buy art by others. He was particularly close to a painting (it may have been a collage as it almost looked like a picture) that changed hands, either he bought it or sold it for 500 whatever the currency was. It was a painting that showed a small and beautiful woman kneeling, I’m not sure if it was a Virgin praying or just a woman kneeling but he felt very attached to this painting and very proud of it. This painting still seems to be very important for him as it was very prominent in the dream but I don’t know its relevance. He was also very attached to a house in a small village, close to the water, it was a small, airy house and I remember thinking it had an awkward layout when I saw it but it was lovely, bright and very peaceful. There were children in the dream that he took to this house, I think there may have been an Asian girl connected to the other community, and there was one boy in the dream he would take there and he felt very attached to him. There was a picture in the house, a close up of Raymond with another person, I think it was a man -- they seem to be very close to each other and happy -- in the background there is a fishing boat. There seemed to be something wrong with the boat and it started disappearing from the picture, I think it may have been sinking, but the two men stayed in the forefront of the picture smiling. I woke up after that as I was getting very cold. The name and the dream were so vivid in my mind when I woke up that I did a Google search and that's how I found this website. I don’t know if this dream has any relevance to the family. It may be totally unrelated to the person you knew. Again, I apologize if this bothers the family. I know I would have liked to hear this if my father or mother had passed away. What I can tell you is that he was very happy and at peace. I know that because the dream was in first person, I actually was telling myself throughout the dream that my name was “Raymonde” the feminine version of Raymond because I knew in real life I was a woman, not a man… If this has any relevance I’m glad I was able to help you.

Date: 6/6/2005
From: Kathy Leitch
Message: I'm very sorry to hear about your dad, I know these can be difficult times even when a person has lived a full life. You have been a great daughter to him.

Date: 6/5/2005
From:  CYN
Message:  WES and family......The day that you, finally, flew free of this body was, both, happy and sad for those of us that loved you...i miss you ; miss your presence. i always felt calm when with you. i admired your ability to see the "whole picture" and , often, asked for your very honest,non-judgemental opinion or advice. ( But, you, always had to be asked). You ENJOYED LIFE,and had a hard time leaving those you loved ....for now... i thankyou for ALWAYS being there . i know you'll always be there, still; just in another way.... That said, the day you died, i was standing at the bus stop, waiting for Maya. A HAWK soared over; circled once, overhead, then flew off toward the hills of Capital Forest. i knew at once, it was you. i looked at " Hawk medicine" as told in the Native American culture...........The Hawk is the Messenger of the Sky. "He" has freedom of flight and an overall veiw." He teaches us to be observant ( didn't miss a thing!),and is said to have the magic to imbue you with the power to overcome a difficult situation. Hawk seeks the truth. Hawk brings a message about the Magic of life. It is said that Hawk has a KEEN EYE and a BOLD HEART. ........sound familiar? We love you all, Cyn xo

Date: 6/5/2005
From: Bob Wharton
Message: Lillian and Cheryl, You are both in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I want to tell you both how much your family means to me--you know how much you meant to Maya and Cindy. Lillian, I don't think I've ever known anyone with a bigger heart and the willingness to help others. I won't ever forget yours and Wes's warm hospitality in San Fellipe. Take care, both of you, and God bless! Bob

Date: 6/4/2005
From: Nancy Connolly Blum
Message: Wesley was all about patience, stories and being yourself. I’ve known Wesley for the last 23 years, since I married Joey. I am ever grateful Lillian married Wesley and Joey came out here to be with them otherwise I would have never met Joey. Wesley has been a very strong and good male role model for Joey, taking the time (patience) to be with him and teach him things and tell him stories and let him be whoever he was at the time. This was Wesley’s way with most people. I enjoyed spending time with him as he and Lillian passed through on their way to and from Baja. They would call us from Creswell and let us know they would be there in a half hour or less. This never bothered us because after a year or two we could almost feel when they would be coming and we would change the sheets and get a pot roast. One time Wesley came by himself in a big Bounder motorhome. He slept out there the first night and then asked to sleep inside because he like the his bed in our home, he always slept well there. The Bounder was so long, it was difficult to get out of the driveway, traffic had to be stopped (what little there was) so Wesley could navigate out. The other thing Wesley liked to do here between stories and when he wanted a minute to himself was to lay on the ground or picnic table anywhere he wanted to rest, stretch out and be comfortable. He didn’t care who was around or what was going on, he’d just take a rest on the ground. This was about Wesley being comfortable with himself and doing what he wanted. Sometimes we had other people at our home when Lillian and Wesley were here. There would always be a connection between Wesley and the guests, whether it was fishing in Alaska or auto mechanics or any of a million other subjects. He was interesting and people connected to him. Wesley was about the “road” as well. He knew how to fix cars and about cars and where they could go. He owned lots of cars in his lifetime and countless stories were told about ‘The Healey’ or ‘The Scout’ or a ‘T I O TEE’ (Toyota). The best car story happened with us in the car. Joey, Ruby, Lillian, Wesley and I had just dined at the Fortune Inn, local Chinese food. We got in our old Volvo and were driving home when Wesley said, “Look at that El Camino” Joey stopped the car and the two of them got out and looked at it. The used car salesman came out wondering who we were in an old car trying to waste his time on a dream. Well Wesley had wanted an El Camino for a while and he just bought it then and there. Shocked the used car salesman and all of us really. But he got his El Camino and we all know what that name means, The Road, and in Spanish and that is were that car is today, in Baja. Just about 3 and 1/2 hours after Wesley slipped out of his old skin and I was on my way to town I saw an El Camino driving south on Territorial Highway just about how long it would have taken him to get here from Tumwater. There he goes, I thought. Once when we were visiting them in Gifford above the beautiful Lake Roosevelt, Wesley showed me where he was going to build the carport. I asked him why he was going to put it in such a prime view spot and he replied that if he wanted to see the view he’d just sit in his car and look out. Wesley doing things the way that made sense to him, his way and if you look at it that way it made sense to me too. After knowing Lillian and Wesley for some years I got to know what they would and would not eat and that there was no way I was going to change it. Wesley liked instant coffee with some kind of non-food sweetener. I once made him what I thought was a good cup of coffee and he got sick and had to lay down. I thought all of those preserved type foods he ate would kill him, they didn’t. The last time I saw Wesley this spring, after he worked a pain out of his back and could think clearly he reached down on the side of the bed and offered me an Albertson’s fruit pie, pineapple. How thoughtful and generous to offer his guests a treat. I didn’t eat the pie but buried it in a place of honor in my garden as a memorial to him. Wesley liked a good pot roast dinner, so we made that for him. He and Lillian always liked to take us to breakfast in Creswell. The rhythm of our life has changed since the two of them no longer go back and forth to Baja. It really is a great thing about living where we do, 11 miles off I-5, about a day from anywhere, people stop and eat and often spend the night. And you get to know them even if you think you already do. Even in his going on we learned about patience, things take time, they happen when they are supposed to, when everything is right and it is time. Is it any wonder he died on a full moon after a very full life. All was complete. Sometimes it seemed he wasn’t paying attention to what was going on around him or didn’t hear something but he didn’t miss a beat and he understood in more depth more than most philosophers could dream of. It wasn’t a complicated way, just an easy and comfortable way.

Date: 6/4/2005
From: Chris C
Message: Dear Lilian, Cheryl, Jen, and Audrey, I only had the chance to meet Wes one time but the many stories I've heard tell me that I was fortunate to have met him at all. For all of you at this time of tremendous loss, I offer this blessing: "Over all the mountaintops is peace. In all the treetops you perceive scarcely a breath. The birds in the forest are silent. Wait, then: soon you, too, will have peace." -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe You are in my prayers. Love, Chris

Date: 6/3/2005
From: Linda L
Message: Cheryl, Though I never met your father it was very touching to read about him. He sounds like a wonderful person and I know that he will live on in your hearts. I hope you and your family will find comfort in that as you get back into life in this world without him.

Date: 6/3/2005
From: Mireya and Bruce
Message: Mama Lilli, It was a blessed day in September of 1997 while we were camping on our lot in Campo Ocotillo, Baja, when we met you and Papa Wesley. You got out of your white Kia and walked to us, introduced yourself and asked us if we needed something. We needed a shower and you offered your bathroom. That was the beginning of a meant-to-be friendship that grew to family love. As you came to spend time with us in Ramona, California, for Papa Wesley to go to various doctor appointments, our relationship grew stronger and stronger. We treasure our time together…so many experiences: Papa teaching us to backup the white trailer, to weld our fence posts, to fix the barn roof and so many other things. Coming from work and having delicious meals prepared by you, our clothes washed and all nicely folded and ready to be put away. So many things we did together: meals at Georges, playing cribbage, loading goats into a U-haul truck, touring South Florida, holding the crocodiles, and above all the quite evenings listening to Papa’s stories. Many of your friends have enjoyed many more years of your company. We had only eight but we feel we have known you forever. We adopted you both as parents and you adopted us as your kids…and that will never change! Papa is no longer with us in the material form, but his spirit, memories, teachings and his love will stay with us always. We know he loved us as much as we love him… and that will never change! We lost my Dad last year and now Papa Wesley. It has not been easy. We miss them both and life will not be the same again without having them around. But we all need to keep on living honoring their example. Papa Wesley was to Bruce the father he didn’t have and to me, the complement to the father I had. Papa Wesley had so much influence on our lives and our future, much or what we are and will be is because of him. He gave us so much of himself that he will always be part of us. And now although it is only you, Lil, nothing has changed as our love for you will remain. You will never loose your place in the hearts of our family and San Felipe. Come back to both of us as often as you wish, the light will always be left on for you. Mireya and Bruce

Date: 6/3/2005
From: The Berrios Family
Message: Dear Strange Family, Although Wesley has passed on, no one that every met him will forget his kindness, firm handshake, or easy going spirit. He served our country couragously, loved his family and friends deeply, and his smile never failed to brighten others' days. He will be sorely missed at our Thanksgiving and Christmas get togethers, but his spirit will always live on in our hearts and minds. We love you all, and pray that the Lord will ease you through this time of mourning. God gained a new angel in Wesley. God bless you all! -The Berrios': Orvil, Mercy, Nathaniel & Nicolas

Date: 6/3/2005
From: Mireya
Message: Dear Cheryl and Dale, Our heart is broken because it is not possible for us to be there next to you, to honor Papa's memory at his memorial service. But our thoughts, prayers and love will be there. I know what is to miss a father. Now I will miss my Dad and Papa Wesley. Maybe they are playing cribbage like they use to do in Ramona. I know you know it is best for them, but you'll still miss him always. He was a great man and you two were blessed to have him as a father. United by his love, remember, we are Sis for ever. Love, Mireya

Date: 6/3/2005
From: Linda Rolfe
Message: Cheryl, Over the next several months I wish you one memory per month of some time or some experience with your dad that reminds you of who you are and what he contributed to your life. I wish you the strength to hold him in your heart and remember every single good time. LR

Date: 6/3/2005
From: maya wharton
Message:  papa, I really love you and I still do very,very much!!!!! It was funny when you used to call me squirt. I know that you love me and still do!!!!! I like to her your story's about Smokey!! I loved playing cribbage with you even though you confused me a little. I know you loved to read and I bet you read a lot in heaven!! I hope you're my guardian angel, but I think you are!!!! I dedicate the song "Toot Toot Tootsie" to you!!!! LOVE YOU'RE GRANDAUGHTER MAYA WHARTON

Date: 6/2/2005
From: Linda J.
Message: Cheryl, My deepest sympathy goes to you and your family. I have been touched by the love and care you have given your father over the last several months. Always remember the happy times and the love you shared.

Date: 6/2/2005
From: Molly Belknap O'Brien and Dwight Belknap
Message: Dear Lillian,Cheryl and Family, We are very sorry to hear about Westley and sorry we did'nt get to visit with him like we talked about Lillian. Dad has some great stories of him(my dad),Don McDade and what he called Wes(Windy). They built a log cabin of Aspen trees that came from the Swanson's place on Sapp Road when they were 11 and 12 years old. Wes' dad had a friend take the horse and trail down to get the trees and bring them up to the house on the hill. They built a log cabin out the trees that they had cut to fit and put windows, shutters, a door and used the tongues from old leather boots that they found to hang the shutters and the door with them. They had also put a false floor in so the boys could go in and pull it up when the folks were'nt around and smoked their cigarettes under the floor. That was the one he could remember the best and I just wanted to share with you all. He will be missed by everyone he touched in his life. My dad is sorry that he did'nt get over to see him and sends his thoughts and prayers to you and the family. My thoughts are with you all at this time. Thank you for the memories Windy! Love Molly and Dwight and family

Date: 6/2/2005
From: Audrey Marshall
Message: Dear Lillian and Cheryl, I am just holding the two of you, Martha and Curt, and all your family close in my heart and prayers. Lillian dear one, your phone calls helped me so much during Tom's illness and since his death--I hope I can now help you through this difficult time. I love you!

Date: 6/2/2005
From: Jane Mulvaney
Message: Dear Cheryl and Lillian...My heart goes out to you.I only wish I could be there with you. Wesley was such a sweet and wonderful person..married to sweet and wonderful Lillian...my friend who I met in..I think..the first laundormat in San Felipe. Those were the days when the streets were not paved...there was one telephone and that was at the Post Office..We have shared so many wonderful times..so many precious memories. I haven't seen you for quite awhile and I miss you ...but I think of you so often. I will say a special prayer for Wesley..and for you both. All my love, Janie

Date: 6/1/2005
From: Arnoldo & Diana Arostegui & Sons
Message: Dearest Lil & Cheryl, As you know, Wes was a favorite of all our family for many, many years now. We've shared so many wonderful memories over the years - we will always have those fun and funny times to warm our hearts. Our prayers and love go out to you and all of your family as you celebrate and say goodbye to such an honored and loved guy! He will be greatly missed by so many - but certainly not forgotten. We can easily say the world was a better place - because he lived and shared his life. What a joy and what a gift. Much love, Arnoldo, Diana, AJ & Cris Arostegui. San Felipe & Washington

Date: 6/1/2005
From: Hector Garcia and family
Message: Let death come as a gentle friend, then let him enter your Heavenly Home to receive your final gift of grace to be near you forever.

Date: 6/1/2005
From: Janet
Message: Cheryl, My deepest sympathy is with you and your family, this particular crossroad is a hard one to deal with and will take time to heal from. I hope you and your Mom and daughter can find solace in one-another and the memories of your father you all share.

Date: 5/31/2005
From: azslemmer@yahoo.com
Message: I have known Mr. Wesley Raymond Strange only for a short time, but I have a lot of respect for him. He was the nicest person I ever had the pleasure to meet and I will miss him. Bye Wesley. Carol Slemmer, Wellton, Arizona

Date: 5/31/2005
From: Betsy & the Alvarez family abetsa@hotmail.com
Message: Lill and Wes were our American family, since they came down to San Felipe they were welcomed in our home and we enjoyed while they were there. For two summers I went up to their home at Lake Roosevelt to spend vacation and they got me in to school for about one month, I can still see Wes sitting in the dinning room with me, trying to help with my homework , we was always patient and willing to explain over and over, I enjoyed going out with him to look for "venados" (deer), or going in the lake in his boat wich was always being repair with his big hands... like that I have many memories of him and it is hard to understand and accept that he is not here anymore, we sure are going to miss him. Lill and Cheryl you know how much I loved that man the same as I love you. Betsy from San Felipe, now living in Mexico City.

Date: 5/31/2005
From: Don Strange
Message: When I was a youngster growing up, Uncle Wes seemed to me like the family gladiator. In his Army uniform and driving that little Austin-Healey, (with the steering wheel on the wrong side), he was just so cool. If you wonder what is so cool about a man in an Army uniform, then you never saw Wes Strange in his. My brother, sisters, cousins, and I used to fight over riding in that car. Oh! Could he tell interesting stories. Of course anybody reading this already knows that. It seemed like back then, all of his stories either started with, ended with, or some place in the middle, he would say "You'd better believe it". For as long as I can remember, everything to do with the "Strange Family" seemed to go through Wesly. He didn't necessarily have to approve of everything, but it just had to go through him. As far as that goes, that won't probably change much now. You just might have to listen a little bit harder for his opinion. Of course if you don't like his opinion, you can choose to ignore it. Some things never change. It has always been a pleasure and a honor to have been named after my Uncle Wes, (Donald Wesly Strange). You'd better believe it.

Date: 5/31/2005
From: Bob Beverly bobbeverly@earthlink.net
Message: We spent many an hour talking in Bar Miramar while Lillian was of doing good things for the town folk of San Felipe. You were definetly one of the good guys. Good bye old friend. Bob Beverly Manhattan Beach Ca.

Date: 5/30/2005
From: Ray and Lorraine (Raynee) Trathen
Message: We met Wesley in Baja, CA in 2000. We immediately liked him. He was that kind of person. In the subsequent years, he and Lillian would stop by on their way home and we would chat for awhile. Always so cheerful, they made our day. What a handsome guy he was. It doesn't seem the same, now that they are no longer living here. They are both truely missed. We love you Wes, and will see you again someday. Much love to all the family--Ray and Raynee Trathen

Date: 5/29/2005
From: John & Nina Hull
Message: My fellow Postmaster Stu Carlson told us when I retire to head for the San Felipi on the Baja, and look up his great friend Wes. So away we went and arrived at Petes camp on the blackest night of the year and we wandered around every arroyo looking for Wes's place, We were finally rescued and taken to Wes about 10:00 o-clock at night. He welcomed us with open arms, and set us up next door to them. He then proceeded to tell stories till mid-night. But that was Wes !! A great guy, a friend and ever willing to help a neighbor. He will be missed.

Date: 5/29/2005
From: Jill Clintworth
Message: Dearest Lillian, Cheryl and Family- Hopefully it's okay to enter a message more than once, because you can't fit everything that has to be said into one shot! Every morning I wake up and I think of Wes and Lillian. Gary and I are forever grateful to have the Lake Roosevelt retreat, which so many have visited. Wes and Lillian are the dearest people I have ever met. They always made you feel like family, even if you were meeting them for the first time. I will never forget all the great "parties" here at Gifford. All the special people that were a part of Wes and Lillian's life. How blessed I feel to have been a part of that! I loved Wesley and I loved his stories. Lillian is a very gracious and caring person and Wesley loved her so. They were like two very different bookends, but the certainly did make a pair! There is a hole in my heart. Cheryl-you are the coolest person on the planet. You and I share a bond-we have the coolest dads on the planet! Jen, bless you for your strength and beauty and for all you have done and will do. I will write more because I can't stop crying!! Love Jill :)

Date: 5/29/2005
From: Denis and Nancy Nash
Message: We knew Wes and Lil through the Hull's at Pete's Camp, and really got to know them when they insisted on our visiting them in Gifford when we were on a trip from Arizona. We learned to love them then and ever since. Wes was one of the most intelligent people we've ever met and I (Nancy) loved his big hugs!! We will miss him. Lily, we love you and send our sympathy to you, Cheryl and Dale.

Date: 5/29/2005
From: Willie Spencer
Message: Wesley and I have been friends since childhood . We met the first year of high school. I recruited him to the Washington National Guard on October the 1st , 1935. We enjoyed many visits with him and Lillian at their lovely home in Mexico and there visits with us at our winter home in Quartzsite AZ. He was my closest chum all these years and I will really miss him.

Date: 5/28/2005
From: Laura (Strange) Anglin - Homer, Alaska
Message: From the first time I meet Wes and Lillian in Tumwater as a newly wed and the last time I saw them in San Felipe they opened their home and their hearts to me. I have always been impressed with their generous spirit and feel blessed that I was lucky enough to share in their obvious love for each other. Thank you Lillian for these gifts and our conversations - my love and prayers to you,Cheryl and Dale.

Date: 5/28/2005
From: Larry Cutting
Message: It was with great sadness to learn of the death of Wes. Lillian will always have a home in San Felipe and is always welcome at Los Tres Hermanos. Wes was a wonderful man and I enjoyed very much learning about his early days in San Felipe, Pete's Camp & Campo Ocotillo. Wes had a wonderful life. He will be missed, but always remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Date: 5/28/2005
From: Joey Blum
Message: Wes Strange made me the man I am today. His intelligence and calm guided me for almost forty years. He taught me things I never would have known without him, and many of his simple words and observations are etched into me so deeply they are the foundation upon which I guide my own daughter. Wes taught me about the woods, fishing, boondocking. building, dune buggying, history, cars, guns, to stay 25 years ahead of "progress," to speak straight, simple, and honest, never overlook a pretty woman, systems are simple but people are not, money isn't everything, shiny four-wheel drive vehicles that never leave the road are silly, gasoline smells great, fish tacos are delicious, trees grow back, and time teaches you more than impulse. I am not alone: Wes shaped more lives than most and I loved and respected him.

Date: 5/28/2005
From: Candy and John Sapp
Message: Wesley will always be remembered in our hearts. We loved him like he was our dad too. He was the man who always had the right answers and the smartest man we knew. When I was growing up, he was my role model as to what I wanted my husband to be like. It's hard to grasp that he really is gone. He touched many lives and was always there to help others. We will miss him always. Love, Candy and John Sapp

Date: 5/27/2005
From: Dr. Ronald L. Plamondon
Message: Jim: My condolences to you and the rest of the Strange family. As you may remember, I was the neighbor just down the hill on Third and "C" st. Ron

Date: 5/27/2005
From: Stuart & Earlene Carlson
Message: Wes wasw a great friend and mentor, all our memories of Wes were of the highest quality. We have always held Wes in the highest esteem and will miss his humor and advise. God Bless you

Date: 5/27/2005
From: BJ Sweitzer, San Felipe, BC, Mexico
Message: I met Wesley a few years back...he & I had a wonderful camaraderie....we shared many a great discussion and good laugh. Wesley loved the United States as well as Mexico. He was highly respected and admired in both countries througout his lifetime. Para siempre.....always & forever, we will love you!

Date: 5/27/2005
From: Mike Ahern
Message: KC and I were talking this morning about how you and your familiy took care of your father at home. That is as caring and responsible as people can be. Bless you all.

Date: 5/27/2005
From: Debbie Endres (Jim Miller's daughter)
Message: Honestly wish I had known Mr. Strange better. I've been out of town so long, it wasn't possible to know him as an adult, but from the description of his life, I'm sure you as a family will have not only lasting good memories, but better lives as a result of his life with you. May we all live as well to bless his memory and legacy. Bless you all. Debbie Endres

Date: 5/27/2005
From: Jim Miller Tumwater
Message: I was so sorry to here of Wes's passing. It was an honor to have known him. My condolences to the Strange family.

Date: 5/27/2005
From: Bob and Sue Sewell
Message:  While visiting in San Felipe with Ron and Val Lind we got to know Wes very well and what a great guy he was. The moment he heard I was having some electrical trouble with my MH over he came with the right meters to do the testing and fix the problem. If I needed a tool Wes had it. We truely missed him this year while in San Felipe. He will be missed both here and in San Felipe. No matter where we went there everyone knew him and Lillian and said hello.....Bob and Sue

Date: 5/27/2005
From: VAL LIND(STRANGE)
Message: In my mind, the best thing Uncle Wes did for the family was to bring Aunt Lillian into the fold. She managed in her own inimitable fashion to pull the entire family together and to keep Uncle Wes closer to the family. I will never cease to be amazed at the way Uncle Wes could tell an adventure using precise dates -- even if it happened 40 years prior. And I'm sure all will remember that twinkle Uncle Wes had--which came to the fore whether he was telling a story of if he was listening raptly to others telling a story.

Date: 5/27/2005
From: Cherie (Adams) Crabill - Tumwater Neighbor
Message: Dear Lillian, Cheryl and Dale, I am so sorry to learn of your great loss. Mr. Strange was always very nice to me. I have such fond memories of your home on Tumwater Hill. Living just across the alley, it was an easy trip to visit you. It must have all started with knowing Cheryl, but I remember several cookie making sessions in your warm and friendly kitchen. You always made me feel welcome and I just want to say thank you for those memories. I send you my sincere sympathy on the loss of your husband and father. Having lost my own father just 2 1/2 years ago, I do know how you feel. May God be with you during this time of grief. Sincerely, Cherie Crabill

Date: 5/27/2005
From: Theresa Savland, Craig Alaska
Message: Uncle Wes and Aunt Lillian have always been the embodiment of love and kindness and caring. No matter the time between visits, they always offered the most sincere love. How wonderful they embraced their lives and their family with smiles and hugs. I feel for Aunt Lillian's loss of her friend and mate; and I hope all of the happy memories shared at this time help to ease the grief of loss. I am comforted by the thought that Uncle Wes is hopefully in good company with those that have gone before him; he's already telling his wonderful stories. Thinking of you all during this time. Take care. Love, Theresa

Date: 5/27/2005
From: Burt Backman
Message: Wes was a truly good friend...His word was his bond....He came and worked on my son's car when I'm sure he had better things to be doing. When Joan and I visited Wes and Lil down in Mexico....you couldn't find better hosts...I still remember travelling around in the back country in his Volkswagen bug.....and the great time we had going fishing down there followed by a great fish fry. Always a smile...always a good word....That was Wes Strange.

Date: 5/27/2005
From:  Carol "Legs" McCormick
Message: My middle name isn't really Legs, but dear,sweet Wes gave me that name probably 30 years ago. He gave me that name one day as I was going down the open stairs that led to the lower floor of the house he built in Tumwater. Wes and his brother, Jimmy, were sitting on the davenport downstairs and as I walked down the open stairway ,all that was really visable were my legs. I'll never forget Wesley saying "Look, here comes "Legs". When they came back to Tumwater to stay after 30 years, he greeted me with "Hi, Legs". Wes was very dear to me and I will miss him very much. I know God will be good to him, as Wes was good to everyone. Love you, Wesley.

Date: 5/27/2005
From: Kathy Marshall
Message: Lillian and Cheryl - You have been in my prayers this week - I know what a hard week it has been. It is so obvious you surrounded Wesley with such loving care, not only this past year but for your entire life together. Take good care of yourselves.

Date: 5/27/2005
From: Shirley Thompson
Message: Dear Lillian and Cheryl - It seems strange not to have you and Wesley just over the hill, where Hank and I could pop in to say Hi. We shared so many growing pains together at Campo Ocotillo. Now the 2 conspirators can share experiences in the next world. After the pain goes away, I hope we can share some of the better memories in the months ahead. You have been great Cheryl. Love to all the family. I will be with you at 2:00 on Sunday, in spirit at least.