John M. Westgate

Everson, WA John Westgate left us suddenly on February 15, 2014, at his home. Our hearts are grieving for this wonderful husband, father, and friend, who so loved life and living, and his home and family. John was born on March 19, 1943, in Lanham, Maryland, and grew up on 40 acres of woods where he acquired his passion for the natural world. He met the love of his life, Jean Regal Westgate, on a ski trip to Vermont, when they were both attending the University of Maryland. It was an instant soul connection and they have rarely been apart in the ensuing 46 years. They were married in 1969, after graduation, where John earned a BS degree in Biology. Their honeymoon began an early life of adventure as they traveled throughout Canada and Alaska in a camper, before dropping down into Bellingham, WA in the fall of 1969. It was to be the place they returned to again and again until they made it their home in 1972, after living in California and Cape Cod, Massachusetts, with travels into Mexico. Johns dream was always to have land, build a home and have a family, and he lived that dream to the fullest arc possible. Together with Jean, he built an artistic sanctuary of a home and sculptured gardens on their 10 acres of woods on Sumas Mountain, with vistas he opened to Canadian snow capped peaks and western sunsets. Here they raised their two sons, Noah and Aaron, who were the pride and joy of Johns life. He was a generous, adoring father who taught his sons to have both strength and gentleness, and to honor and love nature. John was a woodworker and builder of perfection, who has created much beauty in Whatcom County homes. He was a lover of science and how our universe works, a bird watcher, an avid reader, a star gazer, a gardener. He loved being by the water and in the mountains, but most of all he loved working on his land. He was a friend to many, and was known for his generosity, his enthusiasm, his wisdom, his integrity, and his unpretentiousness. One of his closest friends described him as having an unfiltered enthusiasm for existence, which captures him perfectly. John was preceded in death by his brother, Dan; his parents Maidi and Mark Westgate; and his father-in-law, Sam Regal. He is survived by his wife, Jean; his sons, Noah and Aaron Westgate; his daughter-in-law, Megan Westgate; his mother-in-law, Dorothy Regal; his brother-in-law, David Regal and wife Meredith; his sister, Marion Ryan. He was thrilled about the upcoming birth of his first grandchild from Noah and Megan. John also leaves his mens group of many years, and so many good friends and neighbors who have been an important part of his life. He was such an integral part of a family, of a community, and of the Pacific Northwest. His light will be missed by all. There will be a celebration of Johns life in the late Spring.

John M. Westgate

March 19, 1943 - February 15, 2014