Obituary

Wesley Richard Harlan, 32, of Lynden, WA, passed away on December 3, 2023. Wesley was born on April 4, 1991, in San Diego, CA, to his loving parents Ramona and Shawn Harlan.

Wesley is survived by his devoted spouse, Bobbie Anne Harlan, and their two children, Sophia and Ezra Harlan. He is also survived by his parents, his parents-in-law, Bobbie and Tom Pinkey and Rene’ and Mary Michael, Siblings: Eddie Vega and his children, Ethan (Jaedyn) Harlan and their children. Wesley leaves behind a large extended family who will greatly miss his presence.

As a child, Wesley was very playful and liked to explore the outdoors with his brother Ethan but they also could spend hours gaming. Wesley was always surrounded by no less than four friends, such a social guy he was. A particularly funny memory for Ethan was when he and Wesley set the kitchen floor on fire while their Dad was sleeping. He was, and still is, known for his accents, impersonations, movie quotes and quick wit.

Wesley graduated from Mount Baker High School and went on to earn an Associate in Applied Science from the Community College of the Air Force and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Excelsior College.

From 2010 to 2017, Wesley served as a Cryptologic Language Analyst with the United States Air Force. During his service he received numerous citations to include National Defence Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Wesley earned an Associates in Arts from the Defense Language Institute in French and Arabic. He was stationed at Fort Meade Maryland, Presidio of Monterey California, USAG Darmstadt, Germany.

Following his military service, Wesley joined US Customs and Border Protection as an officer in Blaine, WA in 2018. His interviewing skills, language abilities and work ethic made him a prime candidate for his next endeavors within CBP on several specialized work units. Wesley was known at work for his compassion, initiative and of course, pranks.

Wesley met his wife, Bobbie Anne Michael through Youth Group in middle school and became high school sweethearts after Wesley asked Bobbie Anne’s father for permission to take her on a date. They married August 28, 2010 on the beach in Monterey, California. In 2014 they were baptized together on the same beach. Their daughter Sophia was born in Maryland in 2013 and their son Ezra was born in 2015 while the family was living in Germany. Wesley was an incredibly involved Dad; you could always find him playing video games, baking with Sophia, bike rides to get treats and shared a love of reptiles with Ezra. Other activities they did together were Pokemon Go, visits to the library and Sunday trips to the game store.

A ceremony to honor and remember Wesley will be held at Hillcrest Church in Bellingham, WA December 13, 2023 at 11:00 with a viewing at 10:00, followed by a graveside service with honors at Greenacres Cemetery in Ferndale, WA at 2:00.

Wesley Harlan will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. May his memory be a source of comfort and strength during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers there has been a GoFundMe set up for Wesley’s children, Sophia & Ezra.