Victor Monroe Wells

Victor “Vic” Monroe Wells, was born on May 30, 1927, in Rochester, Washington, to Helen and Blaine Wells, one of eight children in a close-knit family. Vic passed away peacefully in Whatcom Hospice House on March 14, 2026. Vic grew up in Whatcom County in the Mount Baker School District. At just 17 years old, Vic enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served for 18 months. After the Navy, Vic worked as a logger, at the paper mills, and spent most of his career in road construction. In the late 1940s, Vic met the love of his life, Joyce Douglas. As the story goes, Vic knew from day one that Joyce was the one. But in a move that became part of their family legend, he was just a little slow on the draw when it came to proposing. Joyce, understandably unwilling to wait forever, moved to California when Vic hesitated to make the commitment. It didn’t take long for him to realize what he stood to lose. Within a month, Vic made the trek to California to profess his love and ask Joyce to marry him. They were married in 1951 and built a beautiful life together – truly it was a love story for the ages. They filled their home with four children: Mike, Les, Vicki, and Jack. In 1966, Vic and Joyce made their way back to Whatcom County and settled in Ferndale. More than anything, they both loved spending time with their family – nothing compared to that. Together, Vic and Joyce enjoyed gardening, fishing trips, traveling, and opening their home as a gathering place. If you walked through their door, chances are the first words out of Vic’s mouth would be, “Can I fix ya someth’n?” He loved bringing people together whether it for a quick cup of coffee or cocktail, dinner, big picnics, bonfires, storytelling, or a seat at the table for a lively card game – for which he was known to be fiercely competitive — laughing if he was winning, but liable to throw his cards on the table if the luck wasn’t going his way. No matter the occasion Vic and Joyce were both known for love, hospitality, laughter, and all their extended family. That extended family began with Jack Postelwait. He was Vic’s best friend from Mt. Baker school days and a constant presence in his life In Ferndale — so much so that Vic named his son, Jack, in his honor. Jack, Myrna, Vic, and Joyce spent countless hours together as they raised their families. Buster Meece and Vic had a friendship for the ages that weaved together decades, and now generations, of love, memories, and shared adventures, especially epic hunting adventures. To this day, The Wells refer to the Meece family as “our Darrington family.” Then there’s Roy “RIP” Pottle, who for decades was like a brother. They and their families share a friendship built on loyalty and care you can count on, and of course a lot of good laughs. Vic also felt so blessed to have his friendships in The Lunch Bunch and so appreciated how they included him, even in his later years. Then there’s Jerry Chambers – he was also more than a friend – with all the fishing trips and even opening his home to Vic after Joyce passed. You can bet Jerry and Kathey never thought he’d stay for 15 years! Vic was known for his willingness to lend a hand. Whether you were a lifelong friend or a total stranger in need, he was the first to volunteer. It didn’t matter what the task was — yard work, a quick remodel, building a wheelchair ramp, trimming fruit trees, cutting firewood — if something needed doing, Vic was there, ready to help. Vic bled Ferndale Blue and Gold. Some referred to him as “The Mayor.” He loved all things Ferndale – sports, Old Settler’s, supporting all good causes in Ferndale and all his pals at the Ferndale Bob’s and Cedars. He was an avid sports fan, especially devoted fan of the Mariners, Seahawks, and Huskies. If you knew him well, you know Vic loved a good party! Any party! Especially the opportunity to celebrate his birthday and he made sure there was one every year, even if he threw it for himself. And if the family and friends scheduled a celebration a few days early, that didn’t count. When the actual day arrived, he expected another celebration. Over the years, those birthdays became some of the most memorable gatherings, filled with laughter, stories, and the kind of fun that Vic seemed to bring wherever he went. Best of all, every year Vic reminded us how grateful he was. It was not lost on him that he was loved so much by the people in his life. He always said that “You know, I love my family and look around, if you are lucky enough to have family and friends like mine, you would be one lucky guy.” He was truly one of a kind! There are too many special people to mention them all here, but you know who you are. Please know that the family is grateful for you and how you loved Vic. Vic was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Blaine Wells; his beloved wife, Joyce Wells; and six of his brothers and sisters. He is survived by his sister, Darlene Gilmore; his children Mike Wells (wife Mary Jo), Les Wells, Vicki Wells, and Jack Wells (wife Charlotte); grandchildren Kristina Walker (Jeff), Corbin Wells, Victor Wells, Jared Wells (Reilly Leritz), Luke Wells, and Grace Wells; great-grandchildren Logan Walker, Meghan Walker, Vincent Wells, and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Meadow Green Assisted Living for going above and beyond in how they cared for Vic. A special Thank You to Donna, Jen, and Electra who held a special place with Vic. A graveside service will be held on Friday, April 3, 2026, at 11:00 am at Enterprise Cemetery followed by a celebration of life at the Ferndale Pioneer Pavillion, 2007 Cherry Street in Ferndale from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. The community is invited to join in either of these events. Let’s celebrate a life well lived and raise your glass for one last toast to Vic. The family will be there to greet you and ask, “Can I fix ya someth’n.” In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Whatcom County Hospice or Ferndale Youth Sports.

Victor Monroe Wells

May 30, 1927 - March 14, 2026