Fred DeKlotz III

Fred Wesley DeKlotz, better known as Wesley, 53, of Hailey, ID, passed from this world on Wednesday, March 16th. Wesley was born in Los Gatos, California, on December 10th, 1962 to Fred DeKlotz and Judith Walker. He had a passion for learning and education, so much so that he collected an assortment of degrees including a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Geology from Humboldt State University, a Master in Geotechnical Engineering from University of California Berkeley, an MBA from Portland State University and a teaching certificate from College of New Jersey. He inspired his children to pursue education to the highest level possible.

Wesley loved the Wood River Valley; on any given day he could be found “shredding the gnar” on Baldy with his countless friends (or people who he had just met on the chairlift ride up), serving on the executive board of Rotarun Ski Area, coaching the Powerhouse Kids Mountain Biking Camp, attending meetings for the Blaine County School District Strategic Planning Committee, road biking with his best friend and wife, Elise, or ferrying various kids to ski team, school concerts or sleepovers.

He is survived by his wife Elise DeKlotz; mother, Judith Walker; father, Fred DeKlotz; children, Sophia Isabel, Analena Grayce and Thomas Wesley DeKlotz and sisters Cara DeKotz Federspiel and Andrea DeKlotz Pitsenbarger; beloved dog Tigger and many, many friends and acquaintances.

Wesley lived a life full of love and joy, he departed from this world far before his time and will be greatly missed. He was one of those rare, once in a lifetime kind of people who truly made the world a better place just by being in it. His family asks that those in the community who loved him take a moment every once in awhile to think of him while they are browsing the craft beer aisle in Atkinsons, driving up to Galena to enjoy a day of Nordic skiing, hiking up Baldy at sunrise or walking on the bike path with their pets. These are the places where Wesley will live on forever, as well as in our hearts. A celebration of life will take place later in the summer.

“Promise me you’ll never forget me, because if I thought you would, I’d never leave.”- Christopher Robin to Winnie the Pooh.