Gary Smith Westergren

San Jose, CA on Dec 6, 2021 after a courageous battle with ongoing health issues following his

initial diagnosis of leukemia in 1998.

Knute was born July 8, 1936 in Twin Falls, Idaho, the only child of Virginia (Ginny) and Algot

(Al) Westergren. He attended Twin Falls High School and worked with his father (and

grandmother, Ruby) at the Times-News delivering newspapers. A gifted athlete, he played

baseball at the University of Idaho where he was selected as an All-American and recruited to

play for the Red Sox farm team. He played professionally as a pitcher and third baseman until he

decided life on the road was not for him.

Knute then set his sights on California, attending the Stanford Graduate School of Business,

graduating in 1962. The friends he made at Stanford proved instrumental throughout his career.

Initially, he worked in Minneapolis for the Pillsbury company where he was credited with

inventing microwave popcorn. In 1972, he made a life-changing decision to move to Europe with

his family to pursue a career in international business/marketing initially with Pillsbury and then

Richardson-Vicks. Based in France (Paris) and later the UK (Runnymede), Knute ran the

marketing operations for several countries, traveling frequently to Africa and the Middle East– a

life full of adventure that always made for interesting dinner conversation.

Proctor & Gamble acquired Richardson-Vicks in 1987 at which time Knute decided to accept an

offer from Sierra Chemical based in Milpitas, CA where he settled in 1988. After retirement, he

continued teaching international marketing to engineering students at Santa Clara University.

A talented athlete and competitor, Knute taught his children (and all their friends!) to play

baseball, basketball, tennis and golf, to appreciate team sports and the value of sportsmanship.

Ever a proud and dedicated father and loving husband he was always unconditionally supportive

of his children’s interests and dreams.

Knute was a truly compassionate man who emanated goodness. He touched the lives of everyone

he met.

He is survived by his wife, Liz, and 5 children, Luba, Artur, Gabrielle, Timothy and Andrew.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Dr Brian Druker’s lab at the Oregon Health &

Science University (OHSU). Dr Druker is the physician who helped Knute in the initial stages

of his treatment for leukemia. If you choose to make a donation in memory of Knute Westergren,

please make the donation to the OHSU Foundation and write "Leukemia Research Program at

the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute" in the memo line. Mail your check to PO Box 29017,

Portland OR 97296. Or you may give online at https://give.ohsufoundation.org/?pid=tribute