Gordon Wes Lewis Westgate Sr.

CONCORD – Gordon “Wes” L. Westgate, Sr., 81, of Concord, NH, passed away on Tuesday, January 5, 2016, after a long battle with cancer. A loving husband, father, and friend, his focus during the suffering he endured was on how he could make things easier for everyone else. His family and friends were with him until the end, lovingly caring for him in his home as he wished.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 56 years, Isabell “Liz” (Babb) Westgate; his son, Gordon L. Westgate, Jr. and partner Lois of Boscawen, NH; his daughter Lisa A. (Westgate) Meffert and her husband William David of Allenstown, NH; his daughter Lauren M. (Westgate) Hargrave and her husband William of Boscawen, NH; seven grandchildren, Michael Westgate, Tiffany (Westgate) Clouse, Adam Westgate, Christopher Meffert, Sean Meffert, Tyra Saucier, and Joseph Saucier; 3 great grandchildren; his brother, Richard Westgate of ME; his brother-in-law William Simpson of Contoocook, NH; his sister-in-law Pandora Martel, his sister-in-law Judith Tasker and her husband Milton, and his niece Kathy Bolduc and her husband Dicky, all of Concord, NH; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends that were dear to him, and his beloved pup Maggie Mae.

Wes was born in Portsmouth, NH, on March 10, 1934. He was one of eight children, born to Walter Sr. and Ida (Call) Westgate. He was predeceased by his brothers Walter Jr., Leslie, and Arthur Westgate, and his sisters Dorothy Bray, Ida Pecunies, and Beverly Smith. He was raised in the neighborhood of Puddledock, now known as Strawberry Bank where the family home still stands as part of the museum. As a young man he delivered milk for Badgers Creamery in the area.

After graduating from Portsmouth High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. His wish was to be a pilot, but a broken nose that was never set as a child kept him grounded, so he became a hydraulic mechanic and maintained the planes that his fellow servicemen flew. He proudly served in the Air Force for 20 years, stationed around the country and overseas during the Vietnam and Korean Conflicts. He was a recipient of the AF Presidential Unit Citation, AF Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Ribbon, Vietnam Service Award, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Award, National Defense Medal, Master Instructor Badge, and the AF Longevity Service Award.

Upon retirement from the Air Force as a TSGT, Wes moved his family to Pembroke, NH, and worked at Genest Ford, Sweetheart Plastics, and the Concord Monitor until retiring and moving to his and Liz’s forever condo in Concord, NH.

Wes was a true American through and through - if it wasn’t made in American, he didn’t want it – family members can attest to finding just the right Air Force hat! A man that could sometimes be imposing, he was truly loved and admired by those close to him and will be sorely missed. He had a good sense of humor and because of it was often subject to Liz’s scolding “Wes, behave yourself.” He was a member of the West Congregational Church and served as their Sexton for many years as well as being a member of Pastoral Relations.

During his life, Wes enjoyed fishing, especially with Bill, wood working, puzzles, traveling, attending Sampson AFB Veterans Association reunions, and completing projects on his and Liz’s homes. Together, he and Liz shared a love of gardening that led to yards filled with beautiful gardens in which his favorite flower, roses, grew.

Friends and family are asked to join in remembering Wes at the West Congregational Church, 499 North State Street, Concord, NH 03301, on Saturday, January 9, at 11am. Immediately following the service there will be a Celebration of Life luncheon.

Wes’ family wishes to thank the Concord Regional VNA Hospice Program of Concord, NH, for their support and help in caring for Wes. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Wes’ name to the VNA Hospice Program at: https://15892.thankyou4caring.org/tribute-donation-form or to the Sampson AFB Veterans Association, Inc., PO Box 1612, North Massapequa, NY 11758-0911.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Bennett Funeral Home.

Messages of condolences may be offered at www. bennettfuneral.com