Obituary of Robert Westwater

Robert F. Westwater, a 46 year resident of Burlington, passed away at the Woburn Nursing Center on Wednesday morning, February 6, 2008. He was 76 years old. Bob was born in Everett, the son of the late David and Lois Westwater. He grew up in Woburn and was a graduate of Woburn High School, Class of 1950. He joined the Navy immediately after graduating. He served on the Destroyer USS Bearrs and was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal and Navy Occupation Medal. After he was discharged from the Navy in April of 1954 he went to work as a refrigeration mechanic. He worked for Atlantic Refrigeration for 35 years. Bob was active in the Burlington community through his involvement in the Burlington Little League Association, as a coach, and as a member of the Burlington Knights of Columbus. He was both a Third and Fourth Degree member of the K of C. He served as Grand Knight in 1978 and on numerous committees over the years. As a member of the K of C he enjoyed the charity work performed, the social events, and many good friends. Bob was a devoted family person. He was married to his loving wife and friend Pat for 52 years. He was a proud and caring father of 5 whom he worked hard to provide for and whom he supported in endeavors. He loved being a grandfather of 17 and great grandfather of 2. His retirement years were spent in the stands and audience of his grandchildren’s sporting events and activities relishing in their successes and milestones. He enjoyed family holidays, graduations and especially the Westwater’s annual family horseshoe tournament, which he never seemed to be able to win. He will be lovingly remembered by his many family and friends. Bob is the beloved husband of Patricia R. (Busa) Westwater of Burlington. He is the loving father of Cathleen & her husband Gary Roberts of Wilmington, Dale & her husband Dana Wogan of Tewksbury, Marcia & her husband Robert Jones of Wilmington, Robyn & her husband Thomas Miliano of Burlington, and Robert P. & his wife Suzanne of Attleboro. He was the brother of Elaine Langone of Woburn, the late Mary & John Westwater. He was also survived by 17 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Saturday, Feb. 9 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Friday 4-8 p.m. Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. Memorials in Bob’s name may be made to the Knights of Columbus Exceptional Children’s Fund, P.O. Box 25, Burlington, MA 01803. Past Grand Knight of Burlington K of C. Words of Remembrance On behalf of our family, I’d like to thank you for coming here to celebrate the life of our Dad. My Dad has impacted the lives of so many people during his lifetime, and so many of you are here now. We thank you for your support and love. Our Dad has always been a source of strength and support for us. Although he was never a very demonstrative man when we were young, he provided each of us with his quiet strength. No matter what was going on in each of our lives, our father was there for us, and he always made us feel safe. He didn’t provide this feeling just for us. He was always there for everyone. He was a loyal son and brother, a devoted brother-in-law and uncle, and a dependable friend. It never mattered whether he had just worked 24 hours straight, if someone called him and needed him, he’d be there in a heartbeat. Each of his children have certain qualities that we have inherited from him. Cathy has his beautiful blue eyes that can calm you one minute, and then be yelling at the next. She has his intense work ethic where they will never let their employer down or their family for that matter. Marcia has inherited his fierce loyalty, especially to our mother. She is always there for everyone in our family, and her friends. She never left his side those last few days, and was always a strong support system for Mom. Robyn has his strength. She is there to lean on, and to help make the right decisions. Everyone can count on her to tell them like it is, and never waiver in her convictions. Bobby has such a strong commitment to his family. After the birth of his third daughter, he looked at Suzanne and said, “I’m just like my father – three girls!” He doesn’t even know how true that statement is. For me, I’ve been told I have my Dad’s stubborn streak. I’ve also been told that my family knows they can count on me to be there for them, no matter what else is going on in my crazy life. Then there’s our Mom. If any of us need to be reminded about what it is to have a strong marriage, all we have to do is look to our parents. My father always put my mother first. She is fiercely independent, but always knew my father was there to support her. They loved each other unconditionally. They trusted each other implicitly. The love and commitment they have for each other over the last 52 years is never more evident than in the inscribed saying on the locket Dad bought her this last Christmas: “Forever In My Heart”. And then there are the grandchildren. There could never be a more proud Papa than Dad. He loved each and every one of his 17 grandchildren, and his 2 great-grandchildren. As with us, he loved them unconditionally. He cheered them in their triumphs, and comforted them in their pain. There was never a question of this love for all of them. The look in his eyes when his grandchildren were around was one of pride and contentment. Last Saturday when we gathered around his bedside to show him our undying love and support, he was finally at peace. We have faith that he is with God, and all that have gone before him. We are grateful to know that he is looking down on us and protecting us as he has all our lives.