Mr. Herman Westland

Herman Westland passed away peacefully in his sleep in the evening of August 24th and will be missed by his family and the many friends he made along the way. The family would like to thank the staff and friends at Ross Place and Richmond Pavilion for their care over his final weeks.

He is preceded by his wife Joy; and brothers Hank and Kory. He is survived by his sister Helen and brother Jerry; his son Jeff Westland (Phyllis); his daughters Janis Tickles (Dean) and Allison Fyles (Glenn); his grandchildren Riley Tickles, Victoria Schneider, Brianna Westland, and Nick Fyles; and great grandchildren, Cove and Jettson Schneider.

Herman grew up in Velp, Netherlands and witnessed the hardships and terror of World War II as a teenager. As a youth, he was an accomplished gymnast and participated in the drum corp. After the war his family immigrated to Western Canada. After working in several rural towns, he moved to High River where he met the love of his life, Joy, who he married in July 1952. He worked for several years for CIBC before he moved to Calgary where he worked for Gulf Oil as an accountant until he retired in 1986 and moved to Victoria.

When not working, Herman was actively involved in his children’s lives, helping them with schoolwork, playing games, working in the school activities and PTA, scouting, leading Junior Achievement groups, camping, fishing, and other family activities. He deeply loved and was very proud of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He loved to visit with them all and actively followed what was happening in their lives.

Along the way he took up carving and created many beautiful pieces of wood and soap stone that brought joy to many and won him several awards as well. He also helped carve on what was to be the tallest totem pole in the world.

They enjoyed travelling and visited much of the United States including multiple trips to Hawaii, Southeast Asia, Holland, and went on several cruises in the Caribbean. He and Joy were also actively involved in the community in the Victoria area and made many good friends along the way. Herman loved to jog and walk and was beloved by most of the dogs in his neighborhood as he always carried treats for them in his pocket wherever he went.

Herman genuinely valued his family and friendships. He will be remembered for his kindness, his many talents, and enduring strength of character.