Donald Westom

Donald Westom, 93, of Portland, Oregon passed away peacefully on May 15, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. He was born May 10, 1924 in Minot, North Dakota, the son of Oscar and Leafy Westom. After high school graduation Don enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served as a Corporal in the South Pacific during WWII before being Honorably Discharged. In 1946 He returned home to the love of his life, Lois Marie Walsh. The two were married June 20, 1946 and had 5 children together. They celebrated 49 years together until Lois’s passing in 1995. The family farmed for 12 years in Minot before moving to Portland, Oregon in 1959. Don worked various jobs before settling with the USDA Soil Conservation Service. He worked for 28 years until his retirement in 1987. Don was a faithful member of St. Rose of Lima in Portland. He also served at St. Vincent de Paul and loved tending to the roses on the Church grounds. Don enjoyed CYO coaching, woodworking, gardening, spending time and working on his beach house, playing cards, record keeping, photography, making “Walmark” cards for family celebrations, and spending time and visiting with his family and friends. He was also a member of the Elks and American Legion. Don was preceded in death by his first wife, Lois; son, James Westom; and grandson, Joseph Westom. He is survived by his second wife, Theresa; sons, Donn of Palm Springs and wife Janice, and David of Vancouver and wife Suzanne; daughters, Sheila of Camas and husband Clarence, and Jerilyn of Warren and husband Charlie, daughter-in-law, Ellen of Vancouver; 12 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Kathleen Kondos; brother-in-law, Jerome Walsh; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. A public visitation will be held at Zeller Chapel of the Roses on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 from 4:00pm – 7:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 11:00am at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church preceded by a Rosary at 10:30am. A private internment with military honors will be held at Willamette National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Rose of Lima Church or St. Vincent de Paul.