Robert L. Wesley at his home in Naples, Florida, 2022. © Iker Gil.
It is with deep sadness that we share the news that architect Robert L. Wesley has died. He was 88.
In March, 2022, we conducted Bob Wesley’s oral history in his house in Naples, Florida, and learned about his early life, remarkable career, and the importance of education. Our founder Iker Gil, in his role as executive director of the SOM Foundation, met him in 2020 when the foundation was working on establishing an award that would support BIPOC undergraduate students. Thanks to the award—named the Robert L. Wesley Award to honor him—Iker was able to get to work closely with Bob. It was then that MAS Context decided to conduct an oral history to share his career with others.
“Bob was an inspiration. Knowing what he had to go through during his early life and education, and how he faced those challenges without letting them define him, was remarkable. He was generous with this time, interested in learning about what we were all doing, and excited to share what he was reading at the time. He was always excited about supporting the next generation of architects and sharing his experiences. I am glad we were able to conduct the oral history so that many others can learn about him. It was a pleasure to get to know him and I will miss him,” said Iker Gil.
Julie Michiels, speaking about Bob: “Upon meeting Bob for the first time, he was so warm and welcoming, and he genuinely wanted to know more about us, even though we were there to interview him. As we began the interview for his oral history, his warmth remained, yet the story was clearly one that often made our own jaws drop in disbelief at the inequality and discrimination he had endured at so many moments throughout his early life, education, and even into his career. But for Bob, it was as if he simply needed to step to another stone in the path and he knew he would get where he wanted to go. He was just so admirable in his poise and dignity in every story he told. He was certain to tell us that he was proud of the work he had accomplished, but also most importantly of his beautiful family. We had a hard time leaving that day and could have spent so many more hours in his company. We stayed in touch with him from that day forward and we will miss him dearly.”
We hope that those who read his oral history are as moved and inspired as we were. Our condolences to his daughters Tracy and Tammy, his extended family, and all who mourn his loss.