Wesley V. Ryder was born and grew up in Auburn, Maine. He graduated from Edward Little High School in 1954, and earned a B.S. and Master’s degree from the University of Maine. Wes was a high school English teacher for many years and was serving as chairman of the English department at Lewiston High School when he retired. Family has always been important to Wes. He and his wife Glenys are the proud parents of a son, Andrew, and a daughter, Diana. Their grandsons, Joshua and Timothy, as well as their extended family, have brought them much joy. Throughout the years, Wes has been very active in the Grange at all levels, including serving as Master of Subordinate Granges Stevens Mills #294 and Danville Junction #65, and serving as Deputy of the Maine State Grange.