Obituary of Wesley Ernest Storer

Wesley (Wes) Ernest Storer, 76, died unexpectedly from a heart condition at his home in Morrill, Maine on February 21, 2025. He was born November 16, 1948 in Bangor, Maine the eldest son of Carleton and Iola Jack Storer. He was predeceased by his mother, father, and brother Greg. He is survived by his wife of 20 years Alicia Valenzuela, brothers Glenn and Bruce Storer, sister Janet Storer, daughter Eryn Storer, son Nigel Storer and grandson James Swan.

Wes was raised in Yarmouth, Maine, graduated from Yarmouth High School and obtained an Associates degree in business from the University of Maine. Wes and his brothers lived an active and unrestricted childhood – swimming, sailing, skiing, diving, surfing, and exploring. His father, a construction engineer, introduced his sons to all aspects of construction at an early age. As a result, Wes grew up to be a man of all trades. His quick, inquisitive and creative mind could find a solution to any problem. He played master’s level chess and won many dart tournaments with his team. Throughout his life he built homes, boats, and anything that caught his interest. His most significant achievements include a post and beam home, a cement boat, two multihull 30’+ sailboats, and his last project, a cement berm house in Morrill, Maine. The last home was a dream become real for him, and any person that came on the property was treated to a full tour (including his treasured CASE backhoe loader, garlic patch, teepee, and chickens).

Wes lived his life by his own rules. He worked as ski patrol at Sugarloaf Mountain in Maine, as a builder, a house painter, a scuba diver, a technician for Raytheon, first mate on an 80’ Swan sailboat, and on countless construction projects. One of his greatest passions, sailing, he learned at the hands of a Little America’s Cup racer and from his friend Walter Greene of Greene Marine. Wes also worked with his close friend Jack Alexander at Beacon Marine in Gloucester, MA. Wes and his brother Glenn sailed up and down the east coast for several years on Wes’ 36’ cement boat exploring the world and forming lifelong friendships with fellow sailors. After years of sailing, in 1991, Wes applied and achieved a Master’s license through the US Coast Guard. The Master’s license was one of his proudest achievements. In 1972, Wes achieved his 15 minutes of fame by switching places with his brother Glenn, who had been sent to Vietnam. The event received national recognition and resulted in television appearances for both brothers. Wes was married briefly to Jacqueline Messer in 1980, although the marriage ended, they produced a daughter, Eryn Storer. A second marriage to Tracy Mahaney in the late 1980’s produced a son, Nigel Storer. Unfortunately, this marriage also ended after a few years. Wes’ last relationship to Alicia Valenzuela lasted 30 years until his untimely death. Together Alicia and Wes took vacations throughout the world, notably, lack of language skills never interfered with Wes’ ability to communicate or make friends.

Some of the first words that come to mind when meeting Wes are energy, joy, and warmth. Wes had a huge presence; his enthusiasm, jokes, stories, and kindness endeared him to everyone he met. He was never afraid to express his love – giving hugs, telling people he loved them, bringing presents, helping out. He adored babies, children, and animals and, in turn, they adored him. After much searching, Wes found spiritual solace in the Jehovah’s Witnesses, and was baptized in his 60s. He treasured the Bar Harbor congregation, and was becoming involved with the Belfast congregation when his health problems began to limit him.

Wes was an extremely intelligent, complex man, and like all of us, he had his dark times. At his core, he was a kind, loving soul who cherished his family and friends. Wes’ shining inner light and his genuine love of life and people made the world a better place. He will be deeply missed.

There will be a memorial for him at the Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall in Belfast on March 15th at 1 PM.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on his tribute wall.