Obituary of Hugh Hiram Westlake

Watch the recording of the service at https://video.ibm.com/embed/recorded/127592682

Hugh Hiram Westlake
(March 9, 1930 - August 7, 2020)

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of our Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather on August 7, 2020.  In spite of COVID restrictions, his family supported and surrounded him lovingly over the 5 weeks he was in hospital and palliative care.

Hugh was born March 9, 1930 in the family farmhouse in Hibbert County in south western Ontario.  He was the third oldest of four children.  At the tender age of 16, he boarded a train for Saskatoon where he started his new life.   He worked as a farm hand for several months before being hired by CN rail.

 
He met his wife Joyce Marie Owen and married in 1950. They had 3 children, Nancy, Kathy, and Gerry. Tragically in 1981 Hugh lost his wife Joyce when he was only 51 years old.  He had a tough couple of years adjusting to living alone after 30 years of marriage.

Hugh met his partner Pat Harbidge in 1984 and the fun and adventures began.  They traveled extensively with many of their friends to exotic locations.

 
In 1986 Hugh retired after 40 years of service with CN.  He thoroughly enjoyed his retirement.  He loved to golf, fish, hunt, curl, bowl, play cards, and travel.  He also taught himself to use the computer, play the piano and guitar and became a pretty good cook!  His specialty was turkey dinners and bugger pie.

 
Our dad was a very independent, determined, and generous person who will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his older sister Leona Phillips, special partner Pat Harbidge, his daughters Nancy Brown, (Cam), Kathy Stasiuk, (Lloyd), and his son Gerry Westlake.  He had a special connection with his 7 Grandchildren, Kirk Berrns (Maja), Randy Berrns (Erin), Deanna Kleiboer (Bill), Darren Brown (Carmen), Casey Brown (Jean), Amber Westlake and Holly Westlake and 6 Great Grandchildren Easton Berrns, Owen Berrns, Mason Berrns, Jace Berrns, Hayes Kleiboer & Ardan Kleiboer.  He was pre-deceased by his wife Joyce, his parents Arnold and Oriole, his brother Jim and his sister, Margaret.

Due to Covid 19 restrictions, there will be a private service.  In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Luther Care Foundation INC

Watch the slideshow at https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/Y8GLGLX3SKXLBHQX