Wesley Ray Green

Family and friends mourn the passing of Wesley R. Green, 81, of Redlands, on March 21, 2014. Survived by his wife and longtime companion, Martha Green, his daughter Pamela of Las Vegas, and sons Jeffrey of Canon City, Colorado, and J.R. of Redlands. Wes is also survived by five grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Born in Hereford, Texas, to Robert and Velma Green, on July 5, 1932, Wes lived in California since age 10. On his way to becoming a self-made man, Wes began his career as a salesman shortly after graduating from Corona High School, and had the benefit of being mentored by Harry Shane in the furniture business, for which he was always grateful. Wes opened his own store, The King Size Sleep Shop, in San Bernardino in 1965, and expanded to the Sleep Centers mattress stores in Arizona, and Nevada as well as California. He also became a Real Estate broker in California and Nevada and founded Wes Green Commercial Realty in Redlands and Integrity Real Estate in Las Vegas. Wes was a horseman and, upon learning his children wanted to ride, started a horse ranch in Rialto. Self-taught, dauntless by nature, and gifted with a sharp financial mind, Wes even tried his hand as a day trader. Yet with his affinity for numbers and attention to detail, Wes found his true calling in flight. He bought his first airplane in 1966 and became a pilot in 1967. His independent spirit and freedom-loving personality--in combination with his aptitude for meticulous focus and organization--made him and excellent pilot. He achieved his instrument rating credentials so that he could fly doctors to Mexico to administer care and aid to the needy in the 1980's. Also through his passion for flying, Wes met Casper Terry, who remained his best friend for the rest of his life. A man who pulled himself up by his bootstrps, Wes tackled old age with the same tenacity and resourcefulness he's shown throughout his life: For example, he became an adept bike rider at the age of 78--by putting a motor on his bike! Those in the community who knew Wes say his tough guy image made them want to "poke the bear." At the man who in reality was a big teddy bear who would do anything for anybody. He was good company, somebody you could talk to, somebody who gave good, caring advice. We will miss him dearly. The memorial service for Wes will be held Thursday March 27, 2014 at the Redlands Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 520 Brookside Ave Redlands at 4pm. Afterwards family and friends, will gather at Martha Green's Eating Room 107 East Citrus Ave to celebrate the life of a well-loved man and loving father. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Children's Hospital of Loma Linda, California or to Associates of the Redlands Bowl or to Angel's Closet in Redlands (angels-closet.org 909-794-7967)

Wesley Ray Green

July 5, 1932 - March 21, 2014