|
Many have benefitted from Wes Breeze's generosity.
Whether it’s about a particular sport, event or a place to play, Wes Breeze has been a faithful supporter of sports and athletic endeavors in his hometown.
The 1959 graduate of Centralia Township High School who recently concluded an over six-decade term as owner of Byrd-Watson Pharmacy, has been a longtime backer of athletic opportunities at all levels.
"It was part business and partially my interest in sports," he said. "I played baseball for the Orphans and I had four sons who played sports in high school.
"In the summer, I did some coaching and many of those players went on to plays for the Orphans as well."
After starting his pharmacy career with Byrd-Watson in 1961 and purchasing the store two years later, Breeze became involved with the Centralia Recreation Department through coaching and by sponsoring numerous teams in the various leagues. Over the years, he’s puchased uniforms, and been a dedicated fan and promoter of opportunities for numerous Centralia athletes and teams, both recreational and scholastic.
"I’ve always wanted to support things in Centralia," he said.
His time and generosity also went into facilities in helping support Sprehe Fields and Rotary Park, including the recent addition of lighting for the latter.
As an avid golfer, his civic interests also continued into that sport as a hole sponsor for many tournaments through his business.
His support has also gone to his alma mater. In the mid 1980s, he and Dewey Kessler were instrumental in forming the Gridiron Club, which provided boosting and backing for the CHS football program, much of which he provided.
His sponsorships also include that of the Talkin’ Sports radio program on WCXO and in the Centralia Holiday Tournament booklet as well as other CHS annual publications through advertisements. Centralia-sports themed products could also be found in his place of business.
"I’ve always believed sports are good for kids because they learn about teamwork," he said. "They also learn about what it takes to succeed in life and often, it just gives them confidence in themselves."
He still attends CHS events when time permits.
"I get to those when I can, and obviously, when my four boys played I rarely missed any of their games," he said.
In an interview upon his stepping down as owner of Byrd-Watson Pharmacy, Breeze spoke of the importance of keeping the business local.
"Since I was born here and grew up here, I think that was always important to me," he said. "There were other places I could have gone after I graduated, but I really wanted to come back home. My family was here [and] my friends were here. I think my family and friends are probably why I came back here and stayed."
|