Rex Plaizier, WesTech’s former President and CEO, passed away on August 27 of cancer after successfully fending off the illness for eight remarkable years. He will be profoundly missed.
Rex was highly regarded within the industry and one of WesTech’s most well-known public faces. Over the course of his 34-year career, he held numerous positions at WesTech and was currently serving as Chairman of the Board. He worked on water projects around the world and helped bring the benefits of clean water to millions of people.
With an impressively sharp mind, Rex was equally at ease navigating complex issues related to the technical engineering aspects of a project, the financial ramifications of a business transaction, or critical conversations with fellow employees and partners.
When he spoke about the water industry doing good, he meant it in its broadest sense. He would talk about how everyone in the process – engineers, suppliers, agents, contractors, plant operators – contributed to a better world. He recognized the value of each role in the industry and believed there was plenty of opportunity for people to participate in doing good.
Rex is loved by many because of his obvious care for others. He knew in life what Jacob Marley, the fictional character in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, only learned after death:
“Business! Mankind was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were, all, my business. The deals of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!”
It would have made little difference what Rex chose as his profession: his integrity, cheerful character, and love for others would have made him a success in any field and a blessing to all he encountered.
Outside of work, Rex was a great family man who was admired and loved by his wife and children.
For those who would like to share their fond remembrances of Rex, his family has dedicated a special email account where messages can be sent:
celebratingrexplaizier@gmail.com
It’s appropriate to reflect on how Rex described his hope for his life. He printed out his life’s creed and kept copies at his desk to share with others.
“When I leave this life, I want to be all used up. When I reach the Pearly Gates, I want to arrive in a car worn out from exploring the beauties of this earth; with dirty hands from helping someone in need; with tear stains from weeping with those that mourn; with holes in knees of my pants from kneeling to play with children; with calloused feet from walking across rooms to greet strangers that will become friends; with empty pockets from sharing the blessings I have been given with those I love and those in need; with poor eyesight from looking past the faults of others and seeing the good in each person; with wrinkles in my face from smiling and laughing with friends; with peace in my heart from being true to my spouse and to the values I embrace.”
He was a man who fulfilled his vision for the purpose of this life.
The viewing will take place Sunday, Aug. 30, 6-8 p.m., at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 North Main Street, Bountiful, UT. The funeral is Monday, Aug. 31 at 11 a.m. for family only. A link to virtually join the funeral will be available on their website.