Ernest Leroy Westlake

July 3, 1938 – July 12, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that the Westlake family announces the passing of Ernest "Ernie" Westlake, 88, who died at home on July 12, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved and led. Born July 3, 1938, Ernie was the cornerstone of the Westlake family, the one who guided us gingerly through every up and down of life, the one who always brought people together, and the one whose whole life was always set to music.

Ernie's love of music began early and never left him. As a young man of just 15, he had his own record and radio show on KLMO in Longmont, Colorado and by 25 was sharing his music on television. His passion for music only grew from there. Whether he was playing guitar, singing, or sitting down at the organ, Ernie had a gift for filling a room with joy, and an even greater gift for gathering the people he loved around his passion. Ernie also proudly served in the United States Air Force Air National Guard beginning in 1956, working as an aircraft mechanic. Skilled, dependable work that suited him perfectly, and a chapter of his life he carried with quiet pride.

Music however, was only part of who Ernie was. He was always happiest surrounded by family, always taking videos to hold on tightly to the lifetime of memories he made in the outdoors he loved. He treasured camping trips, fishing, and the thrill of riding ATVs with his kids, grandkids, and friends. He also had a lifelong love of cars and motors, a shared passion with both of his sons. In all of it, what mattered most to him was the people by his side.

67 years is a long time to love someone, and Ernie and Jane earned every one of them. They came from hard roots and weathered sorrows few families ever have to, yet they faced it all side by side, and somehow always found their way back to joy. Theirs was a rare kind of love: steady, tender, full of laughter, and unshakable to the end. Together they built a place where the door was always open and no one was ever turned away - where Ernie was the first to offer a hand, to notice when someone was struggling, and to give whatever he had before he was ever asked. Everything he built, he built with Jane beside him.

Ernie is survived by his best friend and love of his life, Jane Westlake; his son Leonard Westlake (Terrie); and grandchildren Amanda, Brittney (Bronson), Tanner (Sarah), and Becca (Casey); and his great-grandchildren Bailey, Blaine, Karson, and Weston. He was preceded in death by his son, Greg Westlake and great-grandchild Dimitri Westlake.

Services will be at Olinger Chapel Hill (6601 S Colorado Blvd, Centennial) On Friday, August 7th, at 2pm.