Wes Cogan

Wes Cogan, age 75, passed away Monday, October 6th, 2025, at Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids. Although he grew up in Grand Rapids, he had been living outside of the Grand Rapids area for many years (Orlando, Seattle, San Francisco, and most recently, Ajijic, Mexico).

Wes spent many years as a software developer – primarily for financial institutions, but his true calling was music. As an accomplished B3 player, keyboard playing was his passion. He spent many years playing in the basement with his childhood friends John, Tom, and Paul. In the 70s, he took off with his B3 organ in tow and spent 5 years on the road touring around the US with “The Flim Flam Band” and “Sunday Afternoon” - wearing band suits that could have put Elvis to shame. While he was living in Seattle, he played with the Mod Men Band for several years, and most recently, he was the keyboardist for The Romeo’s in Ajijic, Mexico.

He adored his rescue dogs, Tom and Bob, loved walks in nature, long road trips, and would go almost any distance for his favorite coffee or draft beer. Most of all… even though he traveled a lot, it was his family and close friends in Grand Rapids he always came “home” to. He leaves his wife Kirstyn, sister Cathy (Don) Rewa, sister Beth (Garrett) Sheahan, nephews Justin Rewa, and Aaron (Erin) Rewa, nieces Joy (Sam) Anderson, Elisa (Dave) Mingerink and Emily (Joe) Hays, three great nieces, and four great nephews (with one more great niece or nephew on the way).

Wes wanted to contribute to music education in Grand Rapids and expressed interest in approaching the School of Rock to do some teaching. In lieu of flowers, we have arranged for the School of Rock Grand Rapids to accept gifts in memory of Wes. Funds will sponsor future rock and rollers who might otherwise not be able to pursue their interest in music.

School of Rock Grand Rapids
2505 Burton St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Josh Dreyer – Director: jdreyer@schoolofrock.com
616-317-7625 (grandrapids@schoolofrock.com)

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