Joe Wiest, former California Rental Association board member and president, and owner of Wiest Rentals and Sales, Riverside, Calif., died at his Riverside home March 1 at the age of 79. Wiest was born in Riverside on May 13, 1930 and was a lifelong resident of the city, graduating from Riverside City College.

In December 1950 Wiest joined the US Air Force. He served in many locations throughout the U.S. and Japan during the Korean War. When honorably discharged, Wiest returned to Riverside and started Wiest Rentals and Sales with his father and brother. His sons Michael and Harold now manage the business.

In 1966 Joe was elected to the board of directors of the CRA and held all of the elected offices, serving as president in 1973, and in 1983 receiving the James Gartland Award — named for the late founder of RER — for his contributions to the rental industry. Wiest was involved in establishing CRA’s Inland Chapter and was very proud of his 39 years of continuous service to the association. He served on several committees during this time.

Wiest and his wife enjoyed collecting wine and wine memorabilia and loved to travel. They also enjoyed their mountain home in later years.

Wiest is survived by his wife of 52 years, Gail; sons Harold, Michael and James, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.