Wesley Arnold Kangas

WESLEY "WES" ARNOLD KANGAS July 26, 1942 ~ April 2, 2015 "Wes was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to all. His quick witted sense of humor and kind heart will truly be missed." Wesley Arnold Kangas was born in Bremerton, WA. He was surrounded by loved ones when he passed away at Legacy Emanuel Hospital from a sudden, unexpected illness. During his brief sickness, he fought an unbelievably courageous battle. He was raised in Battle Ground, WA and was a 1960 graduate of Battle Ground High School.He joined the Army after high school, and was stationed in Taiwan. Upon his return to the U.S., he began his banking career at the Battle Ground First Independent Bank branch. His Uncle Alvin introduced him to the love of his life and future wife of 51 years, Mary Ahlsten, who worked at a different branch of First Indy. They married, 3 months later. In 1968, an opportunity at Klickitat Valley bank took the Kangas family to Goldendale, WA. Wes continued his successful banking career at KVB (now Columbia Bank) and retired as President/CEO in 1995. While in Goldendale, Wes was very active in many community organizations and made numerous contributions during his time there. Upon retirement, Wes and Mary spent a few years in AZ enjoying life, before eventually moving back home to Vancouver in 2004.He was an avid fisherman, and loved riding his motorcycles. He enjoyed pickleball, and an occasional round of golf. One of his favorites places in the world was his cabin along the Deschutes River.He is survived by his wife of 51 years Mary; his two daughters, Linn Dee (Craig Stein) and Brandi Cuff (Tom); son, Scott (Teri); granddaughter, LinnDee Marie Kangas; grandson, Nate Wesley Parker; four step-grandson, Jason, Tommy, Gage, and Wes; PA siblings Lil, Shirley and Spud; plus many other family members and countless lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Toni Marie Parker; and infant son, Timothy Matthew.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Wes Kangas to the Neurotrauma Fund in care of Emanuel Medical Center Foundation, PO Box 4484, Portland, OR 97208.A Celebration of Life will occur at Club Green Meadows, 7703 NE 72nd Avenue, Vancouver, WA, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sat. April 18, 2015. Please sign his Guest Book at www.columbian.com/obits.

Wesley Arnold Kangas

July 26, 1942 - April 2, 2015