Wes was raised in the Fraser Valley and earned his B.Sc. (chemistry) from UBC. He taught high school in Penticton and Kitimat before moving to Smithers in 1974.  This move fulfilled a dream he and partner Dorothy had of buying rural property, building their own log home and raising a family.

As a back-country skier, hiker and log house builder, Wes developed a unique perspective on land-use issues.  This motivated him to participate in developing a comprehensive land-use plan as a charter member of the Bulkley Valley Community Resources Board.

His professional careers include 30+ years of teaching high school (now retired) and log house building.  As a partner in Driftwood Creek Log Homes, Wes has built many log structures regionally and as far away as Kelowna, B.C and Chelan, Washington.

His passions include fishing, playing tennis and sharing compilations of eclectic music with his friends.