In great sorrow we announce the passing of our Dad, Wesley “Wes” John Lureau, on Feb. 4, 2014.
“This day, in God’s perfect timing, would mark six months ago tomorrow which would have been his 73rd birthday. We know death is not an end but just the beginning of a new life, redeemed in Jesus (I John 1:9; John 11:25, 26) therefore, our grief is not without a great hope, as we look forward to our reunion with Dad in glory. (John 14:1-4).”
Wesley John Lureau was born Aug. 4, 1941, in Clinton, Massachusetts to Ernest and Nora (Parks) Hureau. He was the third oldest of seven children, Ernest “Ernie,” Jean (died at birth), Agnes “Lori,” Patricia “Pat,” Wesley, Richard “Dick,” and William “Bill.” Dad was raised in Bolton, Massachusetts the majority of his childhood and later worked in Hudson, Massachusetts and Berlin, Massachusetts, learning the trade of auto body mechanics.
In 1961, he married Irene Mahan and moved to Marlborough, Massachusetts. Together they had three children, Annmarie, David and Christopher Lureau.
In approximately 1968, Dad moved to Virginia where he later met and married Patricia Furr. In the early ’70s they moved to Colorado, where dad began his lifelong love for the Rocky Mountains and they raised three children, Pamela, Sherrie and Daniel.
It was in Leadville, Colorado, the highest incorporated city in the U.S., (elevation 10,152 feet), that Dad owned, established and operated Wescraft Auto Body. He was a dedicated hard worker all his life, always seeking to do things to the best of his abilities. (Col 3:23). Consequently, this proved a reputable and successful business for many years to come, in turn allowing Dad to embrace the joy of many interests, learning, teaching, love for creation and being outdoors on horseback, snowmobile, motorcycle, bicycle and long drives by car. We will never forget his year-round cookouts or when he was content to be still at length and watch the moon and stars. Dad also acquired his private pilot’s license. He bought, restored, and custom-painted his little Cessna 162 Taildragger from the ground up. Many hours and years were enjoyed in flight while music played loudly.
It was on one of these occasions en route to Canada that he landed in Kalispell. Its big sky, Rocky Mountain air and pristine waters welcomed him to move here in 1984. He would reside in this last, best place until death. In 2009, Dad received the news of serious health challenges that he would face for the next five years. As was true of life, he was also not afraid of death. He found comfort in music, prayer and scripture, especially Psalm 23. It was his courage, generosity, wisdom, accountability, hope and love for us that his life leaves in us an indelible impression.
He took delight over the years in his four grandchildren who also live in Montana, Gharrett, Karl, Amanda and Hollie, spending time talking about their hopes, fears, dreams and life lessons. He taught them how to work on and fix almost anything, the reward of play and the importance of using their talents to learn a trade.
“Dad, no words can express our love, value and gratitude for the gift of your life. Our hope is to continue your legacy until we meet again.”
A special thank you to dad’s close friends and neighbors; to Lyn Hermanson for bringing him companionship, love and humor throughout the easy and hard times, and helping to care for him to the end; and to Buffalo Hill Funeral Home staff who helped us make this difficult time more gentle.
Dad was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Nora; sisters, Jean, Agnes “Lori” and Patricia; brother, Ernie; and son, David.
Survivors include his brothers, Richard and Kathy Hureau of Marlborough, and William “Bill” Hureau of Marlborough; sons, Christopher Hureau of Northborough, Massachusetts, and Dan Lureau of Kalispell; daughters, Annmarie and Mac McKinley of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, Pamela and Jeff Thornburg of Grand Junction, Colorado, and Sherrie and VK Willison of Missoula; grandchildren, Jeffrey Duff, Cassidy Young and Abrey Thornburg, all of Grand Junction, Tara McKinley Sager of Hudson, Kristen McKinley of Northborough, Jessica McKinley of Shrewsbury, and Gharrett Willison, Karl Willison, Amanda Willison, and Hollie Willison, all of Missoula.
Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family. Friends are encouraged to visit www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolence for the family.