Glenn Westover

Glenn was born in Fort Frances, Ontario on September 24th, 1926 to Milton and Ida Westover ( nee Abbott).

He attended school in Barwick where he lived until 1948, when he moved to Fort Frances. It was then he met his life-long partner, Gwen Heward. There was an instant connection the first time they met in the dental chair at Dr. H Reeves, where Gwen worked as a dental hygienist. Gwen and Glenn were married on October 5th, 1951, and recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.

Glenn loved the outdoors, and as a young man, had worked on the family farm as well as a licensed scaler for the Ministry and Long Lac Pulp and Paper prior to joining Boise in 1951. After Gwen and Glenn were married, Glenn transferred from the forest operation to the cutter room in the mill. Over the years, he also worked in the grinding room, stores and electrical department. At the time of his retirement on September 30, 1988, he was senior powerhouse operator, with 37 years of accident-free service.

Glenn was very active in the community. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 29 for 61 years. In 1996, he received his Life Membership. In 1998, was awarded the MSM medal and the Palm Leaf medal in 2007. Over the years, he held a number of Executive Chairman positions including 50/50 chairman, Service Officer, President, Past President, First and Second Vice-President and Sergeant at Arms. He enjoyed volunteering, fundraising and organizing Legion sports. He also marched with the Colour Party for Legion funerals, Remembrance Day services, parades, and other special events such as the Sea and Air Cadet annual ceremonies, High School Graduation and High School Remembrance Day ceremonies. In March 2013, he was extremely honored to receive the Queen Elizabeth the Second Diamond Jubilee Medal from MP John Rafferty, surrounded by his family and friends.

Glenn was also a member of the local chapter of the Odd Fellows organization for over 40 years. In fact, he had enjoyed a fish supper and an evening out with his friends from the Odd Fellows the night of his passing. Glenn also volunteered delivering Meals on Wheels to the elderly and shut-ins for many years. Glenn had also served as a volunteer Fire Fighter for 17 years and was presented with a special plaque upon his retirement.

Glenn was a life member of the Rainycrest Auxiliary as well as held a variety of positions on the Board of Directors of the Fort Frances Community Credit Union over a period of 39 years. He was an active member of his church over the last 47 years, and he could be found on the outside row of pews most Sundays, until his health did not allow him to attend. He also volunteered for the CP & T Humanitarian services, which included collecting and distributing medical assistive devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds and the likes. He could often be seen driving around town with this equipment in the back of his truck.

Glenn was also known to many as the “Hopkin’s Bay Hill Billy”. In 1965, Gwen and Glenn purchased a lot on the lake on Hopkin’s Bay. This began a labour of love for both of them, but especially for Glenn. He loved being at the lake, and was never happier than when he was there. The 20 foot “ Westover” sign marked the way for those coming down Club 21. He could be found there working in the garage, cutting down fallen trees and replanting with a new sapling or having a quick nap on the bed in the porch, with his western book on his lap.

Glenn loved to build things, especially from wood. During his life time, he built several homes and helped on many a family project. Glenn had a passion for rocks, gardening and wildlife. The flower gardens and rock walls at the cabin are a testament to that. He always could be found with a large garden full of vegetables, and took special pride in his tomato plants. He loved leaving food out for the birds and animals at the lake such as seagulls, chipmunks, squirrels, deer and fox. Glenn especially loved the loons that nested out in front of his cabin.

Glenn was predeceased by his parents, Milton and Ida Westover of Fort Frances and by his brother Ross Westover of Geraldton. He was also predeceased by his mother and father in law, Maggie and Colin Heward, brothers and sisters in law: Russell and Colleen Allan, Frank and Alverne Hoey, Sydney Marsh, Dave Ryckman, Fred Irwin, Gordon Allan, Leo Silander and Erma Heward.

Glenn is survived by his wife Gwen, daughter Glenna Morand and grandsons Brendan and Brent Morand, all of Fort Frances, sister Joyce Silander of Ear Falls, sisters-in-law Reta Westover of Thunder Bay, Lucille Ryckman of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont, Edith Marsh of Phoenix, Arizona and Mildred Allan of Emo, Ont. Glenn is also survived by many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Family and friends were of prime importance to Glenn, and each and every person held a special place in his heart. Recently, he had voiced how truly lucky he felt to have been blessed with such an amazing group of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 17th, 2013 at Green Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 10 am to 11 am prior to the service. Interment will follow at Riverview cemetery. Luncheon will be served at the Royal Canadian legion Branch #29 following the service.

Honourary Pallbearers will be The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #29 Colour party, Rod Newman, Wayne Salchert, Gary Nuttall and Gord Taggart. Pallbearers will be Murray Gibson, Leland Westover, Gary Durbin, Billy Johnson, Bud Dyrland and Kenny Hampton.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Riverside Foundation for Healthcare in his honour.

Online condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com.