Frequently referred to as the ‘voice of Lake Orion,? longtime resident Wes Fuelling lost his battle with cancer on July 27 while surrounded by his loving family. He would have celebrated his 76th birthday today (July 30).
Fuelling was active in a variety of community organizations, including the Orion Area Parade Group, Orion Neighborhood Television and the Orion Chamber of Commerce, to name a few.
‘There wasn’t many things Wes didn’t get involved with,? said Carl Cyrowski, who first met Fuelling through the Chamber around 15 years ago. ‘That’s just the kind of guy he was.?
Recently, Fuelling moderated the Chamber’s ‘Meet the Candidates Night? on June 19, and in previous years, moderated several for ONTV, where he also produced a long-running talk show, Real Estate, Real Value.
Fuelling was also the frequent voice of the Orion Lighted Parade, serving as one of the announcers with Sue Turpen.
‘Everything he touched, he worked hard at,? Cyrowski said. ‘He was a great guy. He’s going to be sorely missed.?
Fuelling was a U.S. Navy Veteran, a life-long thespian with Stagecrafters and The Heart of the Hills Theater groups, and he and his wife were founding members of the Unity Church of Lake Orion.
Fuelling is survived by his wife, Patricia A. (nee Connor), whom he married on Jan. 9, 1954, and their children, Ken, Jim, Jon, and Joanie (Jeff) Thorne.
He is also survived by his grandchildren, Scott, Carly, Brad, Nicole, Dan, Valerie, Kristen, Jon and Allie; one great-grandchild; brother, Russell (Donna) Fuelling; and sister-in-law, Sue Fuelling.
Funeral services will be held Friday (Aug. 1) at 11 a.m. at Pixley Funeral Home, 322 W. University Dr., Rochester. Visitation is today (July 30) from 3-9 p.m. and tomorrow from 2-5 p.m. and 6-9 p.m.
Memorial contributions would be appreciated to Unity Church of Lake Orion or American Lung Association.