We would like to announce the passing of our father, Patrick McLoskey Westfeldt. He had reached the amazing age of 95. And how pleased he was with his longevity, as well as the rich experiences and adventures of his great journey! In recounting the stories of his life, he always ended by saying, "We had a lot of fun!"
He was born and raised in New Orleans to Alice Vairin Westfeldt and Wallace Ogden Westfeldt. (Mamoo and Papoo). Dad was preceded in death by his brilliant and wonderful sister and brother, Alice and Wallace.
He attended Taft School and Yale University, and immediately joined the Navy as World War II had broken out during his senior year at Yale. While at Yale on a scholarship, he worked hard, studied hard and played football as a guard on both defense and offense. More importantly, while at Yale, he met and married our bright and vivacious mother, Elizabeth "Betty" Weems from Houston.
During most of the War he trained young aviators. Near the end, he transferred to Hawaii for combat training in the famed Vought Corsair F4U fighter-bombers flying off of aircraft carriers in preparation for the invasion of Japan. He would later regale us with great stories of power dives into Haleakela Crater, and the terror of landing on a blacked-out carrier deck at night. ("…like flying around inside your hat!")
After the war, Mom and Dad moved to Boulder, Colorado where Dad attended the University of Colorado School of Law. After law school, he joined Holland & Hart (their fifth partner) in Denver where he worked until his retirement. It was the only job he ever had. During his amazing career at Holland & Hart, he took part in the great economic boom of Colorado of the last half of the 20th century. He worked in areas of water rights, oil & gas, and various labor issues. His proudest moment was trying a case in front of the Supreme Court of the United States. He is still remembered and respected by some the younger lawyers who claim that he was one of their greatest, yet most demanding, mentors.
Divorced after 17 years, Dad then married Jean Holton of Aspen. They traveled the world together--skiing, tasting wines, and enjoying the Art of Europe. Ultimately, and kindly, he nursed her through a very difficult and losing battle with cancer ending a 19 year marriage. He then married Lorna Gage, the daughter of Joe Holland, one of the founding members of Holland & Hart. He and Lorna often joked that Dad had finally married the boss's daughter. And they were off for more travel and adventure. After 20 great years of marriage, Lorna passed away.
During these 56 years of marriage, Dad was a spectacular father, grandfather, and great grandfather to 3 sons, 3 stepdaughters, 1 stepson, 8 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. In addition, he has been a kind and tender father-in-law to countless daughters-in-law.
From the shores of Lake Ponchartrain to the mountains of Colorado, our father led one of the great lives--full of hard work, adventure, and family. We're very proud of him for what he accomplished in his long life. We, and all those who knew him, have been incredibly fortunate to be part of his world. We will always be grateful, for his gifts in our lives. And we will always endeavor to be worthy sons of this great and gracious man.
With much love and gratitude to our father: Patrick McLoskey Westfeldt, Jr., Wharton Weems Westfeldt, Wallace Carrington Westfeldt
On March 7th, 11:30am, our Dad will be interred in the All Souls Walk at St John’s Episcopal Cathedral, 1305 Washing Street, Denver, Co. next to his wives Jean and Lorna and his Mom Alice. At 12:15pm, there will be a service and reception at the University Club, 1673 Sherman.
Donations in memory of Patrick M. Westfeldt’s life may be made to Patrick M. Westfeldt Memorial Fund at the University of Colorado Law School. Please make check payable to CU Foundation (designate Patrick M. Westfeldt Memorial Fund in the memo line) and mail to P.O. Box 17126, Denver, CO 80217-9155 or donate online at www.cufund.org/PatrickWestfeldt
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