Wesley Walter Hall was a third-generation Californian. He was born in Los Angeles, California, on February 26th, 1923. Wes’ parents, Gertrude and Walter, raised Wes and his younger sister Louise in a loving Christian home. Growing up, Wes’ Uncle Jim and Aunt Carrie treated him like the son they never had.
Wes grew up in southern California until moving to Madera in the early 1930s. The family attended the First Presbyterian Church across from their home. Wes graduated from Madera High School. He served as Class President and graduated top of his class. Wes and his family moved to Stockton in 1941, where he started the College of the Pacific as a Business Major.
Wes was drafted into World War II after completing only his freshman year. He joined the U.S. Army in January 1943. Wes trained as a machine gunner/mortar man. On the day he was to leave for the South Pacific the Army pulled him from his unit. Wes had IBM data processing experience in college. The Army sent him to the European Theatre in England where he served in the 91st Machine Records Unit. After the war, Wes returned home and finished his education at the College of the Pacific. He graduated in January 1949 with Highest Honors.
In the Spring of 1947, Wes met his future wife, Maureen Kendrick, who also attended College of the Pacific. They were married on September 4th, 1948, at the Central Presbyterian Church in Merced, CA.
Wes began working for Stanislaus County in September 1949. He started in the auditor’s office, and after a few short years, he became the Business Manager at the Stanislaus County Hospital. Later, his role expanded to include the business functions of the Public Health Department and Public Health Information Coordinator. He worked for Stanislaus County more than 33 years at the time of his retirement in 1983.
Wes was active in many forms of Stanislaus County governance. Wes actively founded the Stanislaus County Employees Retirement Association (StanCERA). He served on the StanCERA Board from 1965 until 2010. After he retired from the county in 1983, the county retirees elected Wes to be their representative on the Stanislaus County Board. Wes loved his years of service on the board. The Stanislaus County board room is named after Wes.
Wes served two terms as president of the Retired Employees of Stanislaus County (RESCO) in 1987 and 1988. He fought hard for the welfare of the retirees. Wes helped institute cost-of-living increases and paid health care for retirees. He worked hard to make sure the retirees’ benefits were the best. Wes was President of the statewide California Retired County Employees’ Association Association (CRCEA) in 1990 and 1991.
Wes served the City of Modesto’s Board of Zoning Adjustment for 13 years. He served as a member and Past Chairman of the Credential Advisory and Review Board of the Department of Communication Studies Program and Communicative Disorders at California State University, Stanislaus.
Wes was a member of the Exchange Club of Modesto from 1952. He was Club President in 1959 and District Governor of the 4th District in 1963 and 1964, and served as District Director of Division 5 from 1987 to 1989. He chaired the “Youth of the Year Program” from 1973-1995 and was proud the Exchange Club produced three state district winners and one national winner.
Wes was a founding member of the Modesto Swim and Racquet Club in 1959. He was a benefactor of the Modesto YMCA. Wes was a member of SIR’s Branch 144 and the Old Fisherman Club. Wes was an active member of the Modesto Court Room and exercised three days per week until the COVID closure.
In all of his service, Wes’s greatest love was the Stanislaus County Federal Credit Union. It was chartered in January 1949. Wes became involved with the credit union in 1950 as a Credit Committee member. He was elected to the Board of Directors in 1957. Wes was Board Chairman for 50 years and eventually accepted a Director Emeritus position. When Wes joined the credit union, it had assets of $30,000 and operated out of a garage in a private home. Wes’ dream for the credit union was fulfilled when the Board of Directors of Stanislaus County Federal Credit Union merged with Vintage Credit Union. Thus, Valley First Credit Union was formed and currently has assets of over one billion dollars. Wes received the J. Alvin George Outstanding Volunteer Award from the California and Nevada Credit Union League during the REACH 2020 Conference.
Wes lived a Christian life his entire life. He never deviated from his principles and strived to live as God wanted. Everyone who had the privilege to work or associate with Wes knew he was a man of impeccable integrity.
Wes was an active member of Trinity United Presbyterian Church in Modesto where he served on many committees and as an Elder.
Wes’ core life value was his family. His wife and children were the center around which all else revolved. Wes loved sports, the SF Giants, the SF 49ers, and all collegiate football. Wes enjoyed spending time with his family, whether church activities, scouting, vacations, sporting events, or family gatherings. His family came first, and he never failed them.
Wes always said, “He was very blessed” with his loving parents, his cherished sister, his beloved wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Wes is survived by his children Gary (Libby), Andrew (Tammi), and Scott (Peggy); grandchildren Heather (Nelson), Todd (Rachael), Seth (Melissa), Shawn, Travis, Sean (Michelle), Nathan (Julia), Jeffrey, Colby (Kayla), Raynie (Andrew) and Jaden (Bernice); great-grandchildren Tristan, Teegan, Lee, Will, Tyler, Zachary, Kayla, Ashlyn, Emily, Owen, Cy, Rislyn, Ayla, Bishop, Peyton, Quinnan and Gemma along with many extended family members. Wes was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife Maureen, sister Louise Smith, granddaughter-in-law Annette Hall, and beloved grandson Jason Hall.
Donations may be made in Wes’ honor to Trinity United Presbyterian Church or Community Hospice of Modesto. Burial will be private at a later date.
Special acknowledgment to Wes’ caregivers Olga, Jorge, Jessika, Rosa, Diana, and Aura.
A memorial service for Wes will be held at Trinity United Presbyterian Church on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 2 PM, 1600 Carver Road in Modesto.
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