Loyal J Westmoreland

Surviving Family- 1 son 2 daughters 2 son in laws and 1 daughter in law. 5 granddaughters and their spouses and 1 grandson and his partner. 13 great grandchildren 1 great great grandchild. 1 sister out of 9 siblings.

LIFE STORY - Born the 5th child out of 10 children. Lived in a one bedroom house that his father built. His mother was abusive to him. Yet he defended her. Saying she had a hard life. One baby after another. During the depression years and not much money to make ends meet. He left home at nine years old to work on a chicken farm to earn money. So that he could buy his mother a better way to wash clothes. He slept in a barn and ate mostly canned beans. Unless the farmer would invite him in to eat with them a hot meal. At age 14 his mother passed away from cancer and the children were split apart. As they felt his dad couldn't take care of all of the children. He dropped out of school and at age 17 he joined the Air Force. Where he became a flight engineer. He eventually was stationed in San Bernardino County, California. Where he met his wife. A military buddy introduced them through his girlfriend. He had dinner at her place. He said first time he laid eyes on her . He fell in love. As well as well as the tacos she served him. A first for him. They married and had three children one son two daughters. And resided for most of the years in San Bernardino County. Where after he got out of the Air Force. He began working in building bridges and the damn .He later owned and operated a shell gas station and beach rentals outside of California. Later to return and work self employed in the delivery service. He has always had a kind gentle heart. I remember him bringing a kitten home. My mom asked why. He explained the young couple owed him. And they couldn't pay their bill. So they offered him a Siamese kitten in place of what they owed. Who we named Happy and she lived a long life.. He only missed one day of work. And that was due to he was sickened by the bite of a black widow spider.. He could fix anything. He was extremely smart. He taught himself as he went along in life. Always friendly and helpful to others. He loved to fish. Loved to feed and watch birds. And taking dog biscuits to the neighbors dogs.. He did excellent on puzzles. And when younger up until he could no longer do it. He loved to travel. Camping in RV or staying in a hotel. He absolutely loved to travel. Both my parents enjoyed.. He loved his family the most.. They were his everything!! When he broke his hip in 2017. We thought end of the road.. His fighting spirt would not let him lay down and die. The doctors said most elderly will die within the first year of breaking hip. And said he will never walk again due to Dementia .Less than two months passed and he walked again. He developed Dementia the last twelve years of his life. Which slowly got worse. Yet he continued to thrive. A friend said he has nine lives. I believe if it wasn't for the bout of aspirated pneumonia last year. He would probably be here with us asking for a cookie or ice cream. He spent the last six years at home with 24x7 care. He never blamed God for losing my mom at 66 years old. Or for all the chronic pain he suffered with. Or did he speak harshly about his mom being abusive to him. He loved her. HE was a good man, Husband, Father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He loved life... He loved his family..He loved his siblings he loved people. He loved our Lord. The morning he passed. We witnessed tears come from his eyes. And that he had small specs like sand of shiny gold on his skin. Side of his neck. And tops of his feet. I was told it is said that heaven's streets are lined in gold. All I know is if anyone deserved to go to heaven. He did! He was and will remain in my heart forever. A Hero in so many ways. And so many life's were touched by him. He was adored. He once asked why God keeps him here when majority of his siblings are gone. I told him because we need more good people here on earth. And he Definitely was one of those good ones. RIP to our beloved father, grandpa, brother, and friend. We will miss you....until we meet again.

A visitation for Loyal will be held Tuesday, January 30, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Montecito Memorial Park and Mortuary, 24145 Barton Rd, Loma Linda, CA 92354. A graveside service will occur Tuesday, January 30, 2024 from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Montecito Memorial Park, 3520 E Washington St, Colton, CA 92324. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, January 30, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 24145 Barton Rd, Loma Linda, CA 92354.