Wesley Bucher

Wesley Ortis Bucher, age 67, peacefully passed away on June 16, 2021 while at home in Molina, Colorado.  Family and friends were by his side.  Wes was born, November 21, 1953 in Greeley, Colorado to Ortis & Frances (Milholland) Bucher. Throughout his childhood, he lived in Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska and Minnesota.  Wes graduated from Central High School in Grand Junction, Colorado in 1972 as an Honor Student.  He loved to play all sports, with basketball being his favorite.  As a young man, he spent his time with his grandfather and uncles, working side-by-side doing ranching activities.  He married Yvonne Pineau in 1972 and had two beautiful girls, Allison (Jonathan) O’Connor of Zeeland, Michigan and Jackie (George) Washington of Prospect, Kentucky.  Early on, Wes was a very involved dad sharing time and responsibility with his two girls.

Wes continued his education by attending Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado earning a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.  He accepted a position at Federal Land Bank in Lamar, Colorado where he met his second wife, Pam Black. Later he came back to the Western Slope of Colorado as Vice President of the Federal Land Bank in Grand Junction.  Wes also was an Appraiser and Broker with expertise in farm and ranch properties.

At about this time, he became the 4th generation owner of the family ranch above Molina, Colorado.  Wes loved his horses and cows; irrigating not so much.  He had a heart for children, loved teaching others about the ranch lifestyle, and would help anyone in need without a second thought.  Wes is survived by his two daughters, eight grandchildren: Hannah, Jeremiah, Hope, Joseph, George III, Jackson, Jayden and Lashann, three great grandchildren, three sisters: Nina Knuppel of Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, Kathy Ufford of Vernal, Utah, Sheree Melton of Willow, Alaska, a dear friend, Linda Patterson of Grand Junction, one aunt, Helen Chapman of Grand Junction and many cousins, nieces and nephews in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming.  He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles.

A special THANK YOU to Stephen Hufman and Hospice for their compassionate care for Wes.  A memorial of Wes Bucher’s life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made in Wesley Bucher’s name to the Hope West of Grand Valley, 3090 N. 12th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81506 or Hope West of Plateau Valley, P.O. Box 294, Collbran, CO 81624.