July 20, 1942 ~ June 16, 2022
On June 16, 2022, at age 79, an asthma attack freed Charles Westra from the pain that his earthly body was experiencing. While we are beyond sad to be without such an amazing man, we rejoice that he spent his last day doing everything he loves to do. After a full day, he sat down in his favorite chair one last time to close his eyes to earth and open them to eternity.
Charlie was born in Calgary on July 20, 1942 to Miriam and Kornelius Westra. In 1964, he married the love of his life, Jenny, while working as a heavy duty mechanic. Over the next 6 years, they welcomed their three children, David, Cheryl and Martin.
In 1973, the young family moved to the Gibbons area to pursue his dream of farming. Over the years the farm and family grew, with all the rewards and challenges that came along with them.
David and Martin went on to join the farm while Cheryl moved to the city to pursue a career in nursing. In 1993, Charlie was blessed with his first two grandchildren, Megan and Stephanie. In 1995, Martin married Cindy and joined the family farm. Over the years, his family expanded even more, with Justin and Curtis in 1996, Shamus in 1997, Aidan in 1999, and Kate in 2001. Megan and Stephanie brought more happiness into the family by each marrying a Sam in 2017 and 2019 respectively. On January 15, 2022, he was overjoyed to welcome his first great grandchild, Harley.
Charlie was an unstoppable force. Even after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s and having to step away from farming, he found new happiness through the art of woodworking. His passion was evident in all the things he created, from furniture to model farm equipment, bowls and wine goblets. There are many homes with an original Charles Westra art piece in it and these pieces will continue to bring joy to all those who see them.
He got to spread even more of his light by being involved in pastoral care throughout his life and being a leader in his church and choir in Yuma. Throughout their tenure snowbirding in Yuma, Charlie brought his talents to serve many people in the community by fixing things such as golf carts and screen doors, and was happy to be rewarded with pie or jam.
Charlie was a light to every person who met him and will be missed by all.
Celebration of Life
Saturday, June 25, 2022
at 11:00 am
Sturgeon Alliance Church
4910 – 52 Street
Gibbons, Alberta
Memorial DonationsIn lieu of flowers, donations in Charlie’s memory
would be gratefully accepted by the
Parkinson’s Association of Alberta
at parkinsonassociation.ca
or by phone at 780-425-6400