Wesley Avery Mittan

Wesley Avery Mittan Jan 15th, 1919 Apr 19th, 2013 Wes Mittan, 94, passed away April 19th, 2013 at his home at Wildwood Canyon Villa in Yucaipa CA. His wife of 60 years, Fern, preceded him in death earlier this year, just prior to her 90th birthday. Wes is survived by his sister Doris and his daughter Judy and son-in-law John Toone. Wes had two grandchildren, Chris and his wife Cathie and their daughter Julia. Heather and her husband Mike have two daughters, Kate and Abby. All live in the Seattle Washington area. Wes will also be missed by his nieces, Ann, Merle and Dottie and Dottie s husband Sherm. Wes was born Jan 15th, 1919 in Steward Illinois. Wes had a difficult beginning when his mother died in the 1919 influenza epidemic shortly after his birth. Wes was raised by his father and older sisters while growing up on the family farm in Steward. Wes joined the army in 1941, went to boot camp in Wyoming, and ended up in Alaska where he drove the first supply truck across the Alcan Highway, rescued a downed bomber from above the Arctic Circle and earned several medals in the process. Wes was discharged in 1945 and married an army sweetheart shortly after. They divorced fairly quickly and Wes married again in 1948. Wes enjoyed motorcycle riding and touring during this time. Following a divorce, Wes met and married Fern Erickson, the love of his life. It obviously was a great match for both of them. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this past October. Wes became a generous and loving father to Fern s 6 year old daughter, Judy. He had no other children and treated Judy always as though she were his own. Wes and Fern continued to live in Pocatello where friends and family were close. Wes worked for Garrett Trucking Company as a driver for the next 32 years. Wes routes included trips to the atomic energy plant in southern Idaho; winter drives through Yellowstone Park on his way to Billings Montana and runs to the area of their future home in Southern California. He also visited Judy and John in Seattle whenever driving assignments took him that way. Wes and Fern always had a love of dancing and became expert square dancers; a passion they continued to pursue in Southern California where they moved after Wes s retirement in 1984. They have lived in the Calimesa area the past 28 years, moving to Wildwood Canyon Villa in Yucaipa this past year when health issues forced them to move. They have formed many close friends over the years through their neighborhood, square dancing and Wes volunteer work. The family wishes to especially thank the Shermans, the Wilsons, the Hawkins, Pat Slater, Jo Lynn Shuey, Herman Escobar, Pam Bradley, the staff at Wildwood Canyon Villa and Vitas Hospice who have all been so helpful and thoughtful during this difficult time. Wes kind heart, generous nature and adventurous spirit will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved him. Funeral services will be held Thursday May 2nd at 2pm at Desert Lawn Memorial Park at 11251 Desert Lawn Drive, Calimesa, CA. A reception with refreshments will be held at 4pm after the service at Wildwood Canyo