Wes Lanktree

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Wes Lanktree on March 8th, 2022 at Athabasca Healthcare Centre.

Wes was born in Hamilton, Ontario on August 1st, 1965, the eldest of three to Matt and Shirley Lanktree.  In 1974, they moved to Edmonton, Alberta and then to Fernie, British Columbia where he attended high school.

In 1986, Wes started employment at Canadian Tire in Lethbridge, Alberta.  His various promotions lead him to stores in Penticton, Langley and in 2008 his final destination in Athabasca. It is here he helped lead the store as General Manager until March of 2021 when he had to step back from work due to his failing health.

His life journey was shared with his high school sweetheart Deb, whom he married in 1988.  Together they combined working hard, with enjoying their vacations visiting family in BC and many trips to Las Vegas over the years.  Wes also enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping with his dad whenever he had the chance.  They spent many happy days camping at his parent’s campsite in Rexford, Montana.    

Over the many years he spent working at Canadian Tire, Wes met many people and made a lot of good friends, most notably his best friend and store manager, Kari and long time friend and employer, Leonard.   He was very moved to receive many visits, calls and texts from his past and current network of friends in the days leading up to his passing.  Wes will be remembered for his strong work ethic and integrity in everything he did.  His sense of compassion and loyalty was always felt by those closest to him.  

Wes is survived by his wife and life partner of over 40 years: Deb; his cat: Bounce; his mother: Shirley of Jaffray, British Columbia; brother: Terry (Shelley); nephew and niece: Kieran and Raylen of Sidney, British Columbia; sister: Sherry; nephew: Patrick of Jaffray, British Columbia;  close friend who was like a sister; Kim and her husband: Bill, his closest friend and confidant of Edmonton. 

Wes was predeceased by his father: Matt in 2018 and his loyal cat: Taz in 2019.

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