## Obituary: Wesley Chipman “Wessy, Chip, Weasel” Smith (1949-2024)
### Early Life and Education
Wesley Chipman Smith was born in Gardiner, Maine on July 11, 1949. Despite being stricken with polio at the age of one, Wes defied expectations and went on to live a full and impactful life. He graduated from Bangor High School in 1967, where he played football, and later earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Management from the University of Maine in 1971.
### Professional Career
Wes worked for Dr. Charlie Schumacher on a forest fertilization study before becoming employed by Osmose, where he treated utility poles with powerful anti-rot chemicals. He then joined the Maine Department of Agriculture and the Board of Pesticide Control, where he served as Maine’s registrar of pesticides and Agriculture’s bat biologist until his retirement.
### Community Involvement
Wes was deeply involved in his community. He joined the Junior Chamber of Commerce and helped organize the early “Great Kennebec Whatever Races.” He also became an active member of the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, where he served as treasurer and president multiple times. For several years, he was a firefighter on Augusta’s call company.
### Sportsman’s Show and Theater Involvement
Wes was passionate about the outdoors and was instrumental in developing and producing the State of Maine Sportsman’s Show at the Augusta Civic Center. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Theater at Monmouth, eventually becoming chairman.
### Retirement and Travels
Upon retiring from state government, Wes spent his time traveling extensively in New Hampshire and Vermont, where he hiked mountains and camped in state parks. He also visited Civil and Revolutionary War battlefields in the winter months.
### Legacy and Memorial
Wes is survived by his brother, Clayton Jr., and his family. In keeping with his wishes, there will be no funeral service. Donations in his memory may be made to:
– The Theater at Monmouth
– Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center
– The Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine
Wes will be fondly remembered for his determination, humor, and passion for the outdoors and his community.