Wendell Bruce Wells spent his life building things that lasted-not only with his hands, but through the family, friendships and community he loved.

Born October 18, 1940, in Keene Valley, New York, Wendell was the son of Marion (Kilburn) Wells and championship bobsledder Aubrey "Buck" Wells. The Adirondacks were always home, and Keene was, as he liked to call it, "God's country."

Wendell enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1959 and served on active duty until 1964, followed by several years in the Army Reserve. While stationed in Korea, he met He Ja Kim in October 1959, when they were both 19. Kim, as she was known, was first attracted to his beautiful blue eyes, but it was his kindness toward others and his honesty that won her heart and earned a trust that never wavered. Their meeting began a remarkable 67-year partnership, including 65 years of marriage, marked by deep devotion to one another and to the family they built together.

A tradesman by training and temperament, Wendell began his working life as a plumber and held a variety of jobs, including working nights at the Olympic bobrun. He later earned his bachelor's degree from SUNY Oswego and went on to teach building trades at Adirondack Correctional Facility, where he spent much of his career before retiring.

Wendell was a skilled craftsman who took quiet satisfaction in making things well. With the help of carefully chosen local tradesmen, he built two homes for his family, including the Keene home where he and Kim spent the last 37 years. His love of woodworking filled his retirement with both purpose and pleasure. He built furniture, shelves, Adirondack chairs and countless other pieces for family and friends, and took particular pride in the three Adirondack guide boats he crafted with painstaking care and increasing mastery.

He also gave generously of his skills and his time. A volunteer firefighter first in Keene Valley and later in Keene, Wendell was someone others knew they could count on. Whether sharing his knowledge of the trades, helping with a plumbing problem, mentoring younger firefighters or simply lending a hand, he had a way of making people feel cared for and safe.

Good-natured and easygoing, Wendell was simply easy to be around. He accepted people as they were and offered advice when asked without judgment. He loved to laugh, tell stories and find the humor in everyday life. He enjoyed fishing, a beer with friends at hunting camp, the New York Yankees, a good joke and an even better pun. An avid reader, particularly of historical fiction and stories of the American Revolution, he passed his love of books on to his children.

In retirement, Wendell and Kim enjoyed many winters in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, appreciating the warmer weather, sightseeing and the welcome absence of snow to shovel. But Wendell was deeply rooted in Keene and the Adirondacks, and he always came home.

Above all, Wendell treasured his family. He was a devoted husband, a deeply loved father and father-in-law, and an adoring grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife, He Ja; his children, Robert Wells (Jennifer) of Scottsdale, Arizona and Leona Rapelye (Peter) of Roswell, Georgia; his grandsons, Brandon and Nathaniel "Nate" Wells; his brother, Kent Wells (Melissa); and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Marion and Aubrey "Buck" Wells, and his sister and brother-in-law, Diane and Richard Van Wormer.

Wendell lived without pretense. He was honest and kind, steady and capable, generous with his time and accepting of others. He loved his family fiercely, laughed easily, worked with his hands, helped when help was needed and treated people well. He will be deeply missed and forever loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

There will be a graveside ceremony at Norton Cemetery on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM, followed by a reception at the Ausable Inn in Keene Valley.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations can be made in Wendell's name to the Keene Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 136, 10858 Rte 9N, Keene, NY 12942.