Wesley Gibson Gish III

Wesley Gibson Gish III passed peacefully on Friday, April 11, 2025, under a full moon and a spring morning when all his beloved birds sang to welcome him home. His death cut short his brutal battle with liver cancer. Wes had a brilliant mind and a curious heart and was always kind to everyone he met. He always had a grateful heart, even when dealing with life's challenges and disappointments. Wes was born January 30, 1961, in Brownsville, TX. He grew up in Los Alamos, New Mexico, with his mother, Barbara Gish, his older sister, Dana Gish, and his younger brother, Joseph Gish. His brilliant mind was evident at an early age when he did a report on Einstein’s Theory of Relativity in the fifth grade. Los Alamos, located in the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico, was an ideal place to grow up. In Los Alamos, Wes learned to ski, play tennis, and fell in love with bicycling. He became an expert skier at the local ski hill and a skilled tennis player. He continued these activities from his childhood for most of his life. He moved to Fort Smith, Arkansas, where he graduated from Southside High School in 1979. For most of his working life, he worked as a skilled tradesman and carpenter in construction on many large commercial projects in Northwest Arkansas. In recent years, he found great satisfaction in serving the elderly and terminally ill as a caregiver. He brought light to darkness and joy from simple pleasures to the many people he cared for. Wes loved music. Some of his favorite classic rock artists were ‘The Who’, ‘Robin Trower’, ‘Steve Miller’, and ‘Todd Rundgren’. He also loved the blues, jazz, and classical music. Wes added to his love of music with karaoke and had one of the best analog karaoke machines of all time! Wes cared about people. His neighbors and landlord said, “He was a kind man”. Patty Joy was the last client he served as a devoted caregiver. Her family said, “He was her best friend for the last 5 years.” Much of his life, Wes struggled with the demons of alcohol, but eventually won that battle and used his experience to help others to do the same. Wes loved good food. For many years, he kept a garden and loved to find deals on good food at the local market. He was an excellent cook who valued fresh food and fresh ingredients. Later in life, Wes developed a deep love for birds and beautiful flowers. He enjoyed taking long bike rides on a beautiful day to take in the birds, flowers, and nature. He is survived by his brothers, Joe Gish and Travis Gish, and sister Tracy Gish; his uncle Harold MacDowell Jr., and aunt, Louise Dubinsky; as well as cousins, Harold MacDowell III, Jeff MacDowell, Margo Mohr, and Stephen Weinress. Preceding him in death are his mother, Barbara Gish; his father, Wesley Gish Jr.; his sister, Dana Gish; and his aunt, Gelene Gish MacDowell. If you are inclined to remember Wes, we encourage all of us to live by his example of kindness and gratitude each and every day. Give the gift of kindness to others. You could also make a donation to the Audubon Society in his name. Please text 214-537-3528 if you wish to be notified of a future celebration of life; the date is TBD.

Wesley Gibson Gish III

January 30, 1961 - April 11, 2025