Richard J. "Rick" Westerback's Obituary
Mr. Richard J. “Rick” Westerback, age 65, of Grand Haven passed away Tuesday, July 3, 2018 after a valiant battle with cancer.
Rick was born June 20, 1953 in Grand Haven to Veikko (Whitey) and Natalie (Bruneau) Westerback. He married Deborah Ann Lyons in 1973. Rick served his country in the US Army. He enjoyed sports, especially softball and golfing, and loved his Michigan Wolverines. He also enjoyed music, working on Volkswagens and all animals, especially his dogs, Maizey, Bella and Remi. He was a great friend to many and will be very missed.
Rick is survived by his wife, Deborah Westerback; two children: Matthew (Meredith) Westerback of Whitehall and Melissa (Matthew) Tjapkes of Grand Haven; five grandchildren: Mileea and Mihren Westerback and Hannah, Gabrielle and Caleb Tjapkes; two sisters: Debbie (Bob) Easterly and Lynn (Randy) Shoberg; brother-in-law, Tom Hamm; special uncle and aunt, Joe and Jean Bruneau; in-laws John and Shirley Lyons, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Patti Hamm.
The family would like to invite everyone to a memorial reception from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at Mulligans Hollow Lodge. Close friends and family members are welcome to attend a brief memorial ceremony starting at 6 PM officiated by Pastor Ray Paget. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution in memory of Richard to Wild Dog Rescue in Fennville or to Humanity for Prisoners. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
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