Wesley Eugene Signs was born Feb. 26, 1925, in Pagoda, Colorado, the son of Ernest Clyde and Rosella (Johnson) Signs. He was raised on Williams Fork and later near what is now Hayden Airport.
Following high school, Wes attended Colorado State University for a year, then entered the United States Army. After his discharge from the Army, he went back to college and received his civil engineering degree.
Wes married Pat Holderness in 1948 and they became the parents of five children. They were later divorced. He married Linda L. Fox Feb. 12, 1977, in Craig. Wes was a lifelong resident of Hayden other than during his time in the service.
Wes worked for the Soil Conservation Service and then for the Division of Water Resources for the State of Colorado as an irrigation engineer, a position he held for 26 years.
At the same time, Wes was active in farming and ranching, raising registered longhorn and Hereford cattle.
Wes was very active in the community, serving on numerous boards including the Hayden School Board and the Yampa Water Conservancy Board. He enjoyed team roping, hunting and fishing.
Wes died Monday, May 26, 2014, at the age of 89.
He is survived by: his wife, Linda of Hayden; his daughters, Cheryl Signs of Denver and Susan Signs of Estes Park, Colorado; his sons, Charles (Connie Signs), of Bieber, California, and Mark (Fujiko) Signs of Pleasant Gap, Pennsylvania; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; his sister, Lois Herndon, of Rapid City, South Dakota; and his mother-in-law, Louise Fox of Hayden.
Wes was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Ann Copeland.
Memorial services were held Saturday, May 31, 2014, at the Hayden High School gymnasium with Tim Frentress officiating. Interment was in Hayden Cemetery with military honors by the local American Legion post.
Memorial donations may be made to the Haven or the Hayden American Legion Post, both in care of Grant Mortuary.
