Wesley Bowman Simpson passed away quietly in his home on Tuesday September 17, 2019. Wes was born in Bozeman, MT August 24, 1952 to Robert and Lola Simpson. Shortly thereafter the family moved to the Helena Valley where they started their family Ranch, the “S Bow”.
Wes loved growing up on the ranch. He attended Helena High School and was on the wrestling team. After graduating in 1970 Wes started working construction and also began playing rugby for the “Maggots.” During his time with the Maggots he was able to travel to countless places including a trip of a lifetime to New Zealand.
Wes then moved to Marysville to manage the Belmont Ski Hill and became an excellent cross country skier. Fellow skiers could always spot Wes on the mountain as he was one of the very few who could telemark down the mountain with grace. Belmont Ski Hill then became the Great Divide where he continued to work for many years.
During his time in Marysville Wes met the love of his life, Mary. Mary and her son Trinidad moved to Marysville shortly thereafter where they began their life together. The two were married in 1993 right there in Marysville with many friends and family in attendance.
Shortly after getting married Wes decided to go back to school and attended Montana State in Bozeman to get his Bachelor’s Degree in Range Science. He and Mary also decided they would move to his family’s ranch where they would build a home. Anyone that new Wes knew he was very handy and an extremely hard worker. This was never more evident than during this time; Wes would commute back and forth between Helena and Bozeman and work on the new house whenever he could. Wes did a vast majority of the house construction himself including the electrical and plumbing.
After graduating from MSU Wes worked at the Helena Regional Forest Service until he retired. Throughout his life Wes had many interests including hunting, skiing, mountain biking, and various social events including regularly attending the Wild Flower Festival. Anyone that knew Wes knew that the thing he loved doing the most involved riding or working on his many Motorcycle’s. Wes loved to go on rides with Mary and his friends locally in Montana or all the way to Sturgis. Later on in life Wes began drag racing his motorcycle at Sturgis and other races such as in Anaconda.
Wes was a renaissance man of sorts; he knew a little bit about so many things and knew how to work and fix just about anything. He always had the ability to make people laugh with his witty sense of humor and was a very loyal friend that was always willing to go the extra mile to lend a helping hand. He had a tremendous love to those close to him especially his wife and all his animals throughout his life. Wes’s generosity, sense of humor, spirit, and love will be greatly missed by his family and countless friends.
Wes is survived by his mother Lola Simpson, Wife Mary Simpson, step daughter Christina (Ed) Moss, step son Trinidad Sanchez, step mother Judy Simpson, brothers Charlie (Leslie) and Stewart (Patty) Simpson, step brother Mitch (Julie) Morrey, Uncle Jim (Glenna) Simpson, 4 granddaughters Chandler, Paige, Ainsley, and Tegan Moss, nephews Ben, Grady, and Chase (Rainy) Simpson, niece Abbie Simpson and numerous cousins.
Service to be held at Liberty Baptist Church 1pm Monday September 23 with a celebration of life immediately following at Lewis and Clark Brewery in the upstairs “Power Room.”
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday September 23, 2019
Libertly Baptist Church
210 Sierra Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Celebration of His Life
Following the Service
Monday September 23, 2019
Lewis and Clark Brewery Power Room
1517 Dodge Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
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Buzz Helfert says
Mary and Simpson families, I was so sorry to hear of Wes’s passing. He was one of my best friends. I have many good memories of hunting in Wikiup with Wes, Stewart, and their dad Bob.In 1978 I drew one of 2 bighorn sheep tags in the Gates of the Mountains wilderness and hunted with Wes,Kenny Palmer, and Charlie Kleffner. Wes spotted a full curl ram which I killed. We skinned and caped the ram, but our packhorse (Pepper) refused to pack him out.. We loaded that 200 lb ram on 150lb Wes and he carried it 3 miles to the truck- one tough guy. He will be missed Godspeed my friend,you are missed but not forgotten.
Doug Erickson says
I met Wesco in 1978, I was working for MDOT and Wes was working for Dudgale Construction Butte, Mt. That is where our friendship began on the scale. Wes and I did a lot of horse trading- real estate, trucks, trailers and snowmobiles. Wes didn’t trade motorcycles, he kept them all. I rode out last Sunday to the ranch. Wes was outside in his driveway washing about a dozen bikes from his collection. I asked him if he would like to go for a ride? He said yes, ” But I have to put the Red Royal Enfield in the garage, Mary doesn’t know about this this one and she will spot it!” Once we went to Butte to look at a XR750, the model Evel Knievel jumped with. He wanted me to buy it. I thought long and hard but decided against it. Wes, stepped up and bought the bike! Wes had a passion for motorcycles and fast ones at that! If you thought you had a fast Harley, he would prove you wrong. One of the last bikes he bought was an Ultra Classic with a back seat for Mary, he wanted her to be comfortable. Mary rode with Wes most of the time. Some of the best times of my life was with Wes , we put many miles on together! He had a lot of friends and most would consider Wes a best friend. I have a void in my heart now and will miss him dearly.
Mary Kay Bennett says
I remember Wes at Belmont Ski Hill!
Handsome, smart & athletic & kind.
I’m not sure if his mom, Lola, is still alive, but if she is, my condolences to her and all the family.
Sad day for those who loved him. 💙
Dennis & Gail Fuller says
We were so very sorry to hear of Wes’s passing. Enjoyed the times we met & visited with you at Chris & Martha’s home. We send our prayers, sympathy, & love to you Mary & your family.
(Chris Fullers parents)
Scott St. Clair says
My condolences to Mary and all of the family. Wes was a genuine upstanding individual. I got to know Wes fairly well back around 1979. I drew a Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Goat tag the same year. Wes, Arnold and myself spent numerous days in the York are trying to locate a goat. We also spent nearly a week at Sun River looking for a Ram. We had a great time in camp as well as on the mountain. The thing I remember most about Wes was his damn long legs, he was impossible to keep up with. I was so fortunate to have him and Arnold on those hunts. Rest in Peace my friend. Tell Bob hello from one of his favorite Griz rivals. Porkchop
Kevin Bartsch says
Mary- I was very sorry to hear about the passing of your husband. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless- Kevin Bartsch
Jim Adolph says
Our condolences to all the family. Many fond memories are shared by myself and others of the Helena Rugby Club involving our on and off the field adventures with Wes over the years. Wes ,we will miss you! Godspeed !!!!
Mike McGarry says
I Love this Man. I first met Wes when when they lived in Marysville. Our Family had rented a motor home and we stayed outside Wes and Marila’s house. I remember Marila calling to make reservations at the local diner and they said they figured we’d be coming over to eat. Everybody knows everybody and everything that’s going on in that town. Wes treated us to a tour of the town and took us to the old school house that was more of a museum and a throwback to a simpler way of life. Later when they moved to Helena he took me behind Marysville and up to the Great Divide. When we got there I had to take care of some business and Wes explained that if I went on this side of the hill it was going to the Mississippi and the other side of the hill would go to the Pacific. He also said that if I went on “that barbed wire fence” I’d probably learn to fly. We also went lake fishing in the local lake and fishin was real slow. Wes asked me to hand him a hard case that was sittin in front of me and I told him it looked like a pistol case. He asked me if I saw that rock over there and told me he thought he heard that rock talkin trash to him. So the next 10 minutes we took care of that trash talker. I was also lucky enough to enjoy his talents as a cook on several occasions and he never failed to impress.
I could go on and on about good times with Wes as I’m sure many of you can also. I know that he will be sorrowfully missed by anyone that new him.
Marila and the kids are going to need all the help we can provide in the future and I’m sure she’ll get it from everyone. May he Rest in Peace and the Dear Lord shine a light upon his soul and may he take Marila under his arm and help her in the Future. He will always be in our thoughts and prayers and will always bring a smile to my face when I think of him. Until we meet again my Friend.
Kevin Collins says
To this day i still can see the smile on Wes’s face, we met working on the New York store re-hab ,the Mall on the Gulch. He was just plain fun to be with!! May you rest in peace. See you on the other side. the mt-1
Ali says
Sincere condolences. May God bring relief and inner peace and may He help the entire family endure these difficult moments. (Psalms 145:18, 19) Respectfully,
Curt Synness says
So long to a good rassler and I’ll always remember his cartoon of my car wreck near the A&W.
Mark Ryckman says
My condolences. Wes will be missed by all that knew him. RIP friend!
Marv St Clair says
Sorry to read of Wes’s passing. The reference to Wes as the renaissance man fits perfect. He aways wore that smile and super sense of humor My deepest condolences to all the family. God speed Wes
Cris Tobias says
I was saddened to hear of Wes’s passing. Having grown up and attended school with Wes
I spent a lot of time with him and he was one of my best friends. We wrestled for HSHS, dirt biked and had many other adventures together. Wes was good friend and a stand up guy. Even though our paths haven’t crossed in years, he still holds a place in my heart. From what I’ve read from the people commenting here, Wes’s attributes aged like a fine wine, he only got better. My heart goes out to his family and friends, as this was a great loss. And to Wes …… RIDE ON BROTHER!
Connie and Tim Ferriter says
Mary and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless