Bruce Westgarth

BRUCE WILLIAM WESTGARTH

Sept. 9, 1924 (Udora, Ont.) ~ April 14, 2021 (Hospice Renfrew)

We give thanks for the 96 years of Bruce Westgarth’s life. Remarkable son, husband, brother, Dad, grandfather, great-grandfather, beloved uncle, faithful friend, soldier and Petawawa community volunteer. Small in stature but a giant in life. A well-loved, humble figure. A W.W. II vet who saw action in France and Holland, continued a military career that spanned 28 years in Hemer, Germany and Petawawa. He was awarded the Legion of Honour, the French Republic’s highest honour.

Predeceased by his parents Alfred (WWI vet) & Stella Westgarth and his sisters & brothers: Gerald (Doris), Carl (Agnes, Mae), Alfreda (Gordon) Stevenson, Orvil (Norma), Art (Nancy), Jeanne (Ken) Bowron, Murray (Olive, surviving). Together with his sweetheart of 71 years, Bernice, they raised 6 children: Ralph (Liz), Gary (Deanne), Lynda (Peter), Ray (Barb), Donnie (Gwen), Elaine (Earl). Survived by 9 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

All of us believed he could do anything! Organizer of Regimental hockey, National Military tournaments; chairman of Minor Hockey & Minor Baseball, respected referee & scorekeeper; radio host of Base News on CHOV and reporter for Camp Petawawa Post. In later years participated in curling and skating with Seniors and became an enthusiastic golfer. Active member of the Pembroke Legion, Tunis Shriners, and the Masons. A familiar figure in local Santa parades and a Salvation Army Christmas Kettle volunteer. A man of faith with generous spirit and a particular reverence for the Padres over the decades at CFB Petawawa and Garrison Petawawa who guided him to his time of rest.

A Celebration of Life and Interment was held at the National Military Cemetery, Beechwood, Ottawa on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. The public is invited to share in the service online. To view the service bulletin click here. In his memory, donations to Hospice Renfrew or a charity of your preference would be sincerely appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the Malcolm, Deavitt & Binhammer Funeral Home, Pembroke. Online condolences and donations available at www.mdbfuneralhome.com.