Richard George Selby Westbury

Richard George Selby Westbury, age 97, of Calgary, Alberta passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2024. Richard will be lovingly remembered by his children, John, Liz and Ellie (George Taven) and his grandchildren Nick, Charlotte, Azzie, Allister, Katie and Daniel. He was predeceased by his sister Patience (“Pat”), his daughter Fiona and his wife of over 65 years, Nancy.

Richard lived in Crawford Bay, BC until 1931 when his family moved to England. He was educated in England and served in the Royal Navy during World War II. After the war he worked briefly as a teacher then studied Geology at Queen Mary College, University of London, graduating in 1952. He remained close friends with many of his classmates, a number of whom also came to live and work in Alberta.

He worked as a petroleum geologist in Canada and Brazil for almost 70 years, closing his office in Calgary at the age of 91.

When he was a student Richard served in the Honourable Artillery Company, the oldest regiment in the British Army. He joined the Canadian Militia in the 1970s, achieving the rank of Major. Richard was deeply involved with the St John’s Ambulance Brigade, the Royal Alberta United Services Institute, the Army Cadet League of Canada, the Royal Canadian Legion and other naval and military veterans’ organisations.

He was a Commander of the Order of St John of Jerusalem and was awarded all four of the Late Queen Elizabeth II’s Canadian and Alberta Jubilee medals, the Canadian Forces Decoration and the Alberta Centennial medal in recognition of his military and voluntary service over many years.

The family would like to thank the Veterans’ Angels and all the staff at Carewest Colonel Belcher who cared for Richard in his last years as well as the doctors, nurses and staff in the emergency department and Unit 47 at the Rockyview Hospital who cared for Richard in his final days.

For ninety days, the service can be viewed at the website: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcxNTU2MDYwNDMwODc2NyZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJnZpZXdfYnV0dG9u