Bob was born in Winnipeg, MB, the third child of Lorna and Allan Westgate. After a wonderful childhood including a summer cabin at West Hawk Lake, Bob started working for the Bank of Montreal and headed north to Thompson, Manitoba.
From there the call of British Columbia had him travel west in 1968. He arrived in Vancouver and fell in love with the mountains. In 1971 he met the love of his life, Barbara Moran and they married 5 months later in May 1972.
A move to Dawson Creek came, and then Kamloops. Vernon was next where they welcomed their son Brian in 1974. Daughter Keli followed in 1976 and then Bob left the bank because he wanted to stay in Vernon. After a stint in real estate and self-employment, he returned to banking and moved again, this time to Fort St John.
After 7 years in the North, a move to Nelson was welcomed by all. That was a short period and Castlegar and then Grand Forks were in the cards. 17 years in Grand Forks and leaving the bank for self-employment as a business consultant once again rounded out his professional career.
Retirement was planned for Vernon, so in 2007 a final move was made to their preferred location. Bob worked part time for a while as a golf marshal at Predator Ridge, then Home Depot, and a gym.
Bob loved skiing with friends and family, as well as golf and spent his final retirement years pursuing both until his health made him give up his passions. He was a loving father, coaching sports teams and always supporting his children without judgment. He was a city councillor in Grand Forks, being a key player in getting night lighting at the airport there and instrumental in the startup that became Roxul. Bob loved music and was always very happy and upbeat. If you asked how he was it was always perfect.
He leaves behind his loving wife of 47 years and two children Brian (Sarah) and Keli (Joseph Pinheiro), as well as 3 grandchildren Mariah, Chantelle and Benjamin. Also missing him are his brother Barry and sister Wendy (Bob Harbottle). Cremation to follow. No service by his request. Donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Society or the ALS Society in his name.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family's on-line obituary at www.MyAlternatives.ca. Arrangements entrusted to
ALTERNATIVES FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, Vernon 250-558-0866 & Armstrong 250-546-7237.
My Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services