Activist, bank founder dies Wes Colley `worked hard to see that Walla Walla would have a better future.'
By ANNIE CHARNLEY EVELAND of the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin
Wes Colley, a longtime Walla Walla community activist and founder of a local bank, died Wednesday.
Colley, who had moved to Spokane, died at Sacred Heart Medical Center following a bout with cancer.
Valerie Cochran, a longtime friend, said Colley was diagnosed more than a year ago with melanoma.
He had surgery on Aug. 16, 2004, when half of his liver was taken out. ``Ever since then he and (wife) Sharon have been on the go.
``He was going to beat this. He was positive and uplifting to all his friends and family,'' Cochran said.
Colley founded Bank of the West, served with the Walla Walla County Port Commission, Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce and a variety of other community service groups and projects.
His interest in business management and agricultural issues is reflected by the degree he earned from Cal-Poly.
Prior to founding Bank of the West on April 1, 1976, he worked 10 years with Bank of America in California and three years at Baker Boyer Bank in Walla Walla.
``Wes was supportive of community projects and overall paid attention to what the community needed at a grassroots level,'' said Cory Hewitt, manager of the Walla Walla Fair.
Colley served on the Fair Board of Directors from 1988-1996, was president in 1994-1995 and on the Frontier Days Foundation Board from 1997-1999. The demolition derby and the concert were among his responsibilities.
After moving to Spokane, Colley remained connected to friends and activities in the Walla Walla Valley.
``He was down for the fair in August, bought a lot of animals and supported the youth market sale at the fair,'' said Judy Frazier with the fairgrounds office.
Hewitt added that, ``He was meticulous with the numbers, watched over the budget and helped make everything balance to the `T.' He raised the bar on all of us when we handed over paperwork. But there was always lots of laughter and joking.''
His involvement and devotion to the community was recognized by the Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce's Award of Merit.
Colley also started the Chamber's montly Business After Hours socials.
Port of Walla Walla Executive Director Jim Kuntz said Colley served as a port commissioner from 1985-2000.
``He was instrumental in encouraging the Port to become more active in the economic development arena by creating and retaining family-wage jobs,'' Kuntz said.
During Colley's tenure, the Port built Key Technology Corp. headquarters, ``one of his real big achievements.''
He also supported and was instrumental in having the Walla Walla Regional Airport Terminal building built.
``He served the community in voluntary capacities, such as treasurer of the Walla Walla High School Senior party. He wanted to encourage kids to go to the party rather than drive around,'' Kuntz said.
``He wanted to see his hometown prosper economically. Wes deserves some credit for making Walla Walla a good place to do business. He worked hard to see that Walla Walla would have a better future,'' Kuntz said.
Valerie Cochran said, Colley ``was a wonderful husband and father, great businessman and fun person who loved playing cards and games.
``He was just a wonderful person a great friend.'' The Cochrans enjoyed an after-harvest vacation this summer with the Colleys at Twin Lakes, north of Spokane.
``Wes went fishing every day and had a wonderful time,'' she said.
Harold Cochran, who worked with Colley at Bank of the West and was a friend for more than 30 years, said one of his great contributions to the community was starting the bank.
Colley's life and the bank were intertwined. The bank served business and agriculture from its beginning. The locally owned bank had some 300 people who owned stock in it.
A former director on the bank's board for 10-12 years, Harold Cochran said, ``Colley liked to help the small business man. For banking was his greatest joy _ to help people get their start.
``He touched a lot of people personally and businesswise in this community,'' he said.
A senior lender and investment person, Don Harwood worked 24 years with Colley at Bank of the West. Colley ``was an innovator willing to take risks on new ideas and implement into our bank.''He sought new ways to provide customer service. His priority was to offer a good work atmosphere for employees so the positive service would be passed on to customers.
Colley was also involved in 4-H and livestock shows and was instrumental in founding the Walla Walla Sweet Onion Commission.
Harwood said Colley insisted his employes and executives be active in the community and contribute as he did.
His life's focus was his family, work and the community, Harwood said.
``He was a good guy to work for. He appreciated the life he led and was a very positive guy,'' Harwood said.
Colley was born in Walla Walla on Nov. 3, 1938, at St.
Mary's Hospital. He grew up in Lowden and Walla Walla and graduated in 1957 from Walla Walla High School. He served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps. He and Sharon Donovan married in his junior year at Washington State University.
Survivors include wife Sharon, two sons, Casey and Curt, and daughter Angel. Arrangements are through Mountain View Funeral Chapel, 1551 Dalles Military Road.
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