Wesley Junji Hiraoka, 82, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 24, 2025. Wes was born on June 24, 1943, in Lahaina, Maui, HI to Junichi and Helen Hiraoka. After graduating from Lahainaluna High School in 1961, he attended El Camino Junior College in Torrance, CA and later transferred to Weber State College in Ogden, UT. In 1967 he was drafted into the US Army as an Infantryman and served one tour in Vietnam with the 25th Infantry Division, receiving two Purple Heart Medals for wounds sustained in combat.

Upon completing his service in Vietnam, Wes returned to Weber State College and graduated with a degree in Sociology. He married Brenda Heward on April 14, 1973 at the Union Presbyterian Church in Evanston, WY. They initially resided in Honolulu before settling in Utah in 1975. Wes and Brenda were blessed with three loving children: son Hew (Army Lt. Col., Retired) and daughters Gina (PhD) and Shelley. Wes served as a social worker for over 40 years, during which time he provided support to countless youth, families, and vulnerable adults. Early in his career, he worked at MOWEDA Youth Home and Clearfield Job Corps. He was then employed by the State of Utah for 24 years. Throughout his career, Wes always sought to provide a strong foundation for those with whom he had the opportunity to work and received several commendations, including the Division of Child and Family Services Employee of the Year in 1999.

Wes had a strong interest in sports, particularly college football and the athletic activities in which his children were involved. He consistently followed an exercise regimen throughout his life and even had a home gym well before they were common. After he retired, Wes became involved with several Veterans organizations, including the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 995 (where he served as Adjutant), Vietnam Veterans of America, and the Combat Infantryman’s Association. Wes maintained connections with those he valued most, which included many of his high school classmates. Although he lived in Utah longer than Hawaii, his love of plate lunches and musubi never faded.

Wes is survived by son Hew (Liza), daughters Gina (Tom) and Shelley, four grandchildren (Leah, Matthew, Joseph, Ryan), one great-grandchild (Owen), and his cherished nieces and nephews.

Wes was preceded in death by his wife, Brenda, to whom he was married for 49 years, 8 months, and forever. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his brother and sister, and one infant son, Robert Mako Hiraoka.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, February 21st at 11:00 A.M. at Leavitt’s Mortuary & Aultorest Memorial Park (836 36th Street, Ogden UT). Interment at Washington Heights Memorial Park (4500 Washington Blvd., Ogden UT) will follow the service.

Wes’s family would like to express gratitude for the care and support he received from staff at The Ridge Cottonwood.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Maui Strong Fund through Hawai’i Community Foundation or the First Presbyterian Church of Ogden.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.leavittsmortuary.com