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Obituary
On September 5, 2023, Gustave “Gus” Westra, aged 69, passed into the presence of the Lord and Savior whom he loved, served and longed to meet. After a long, arduous struggle with brain cancer, Gus died peacefully with his devoted wife of 47 years, Margaret, at his side.
Born on February 15, 1954, in Ottawa, Ontario, Gus was the oldest of four children born to post-WWII immigrants, Pieter and Antje Westra. After high school, Gus began to work at the Ottawa Civic Hospital, where he would serve as a Physiotherapy Assistant for over four decades.
At the hospital, as in other places, Gus’s love for desserts and love for people were talked about by patients and colleagues alike. Over the years, many people brought a little something sweet for Gus. Yet even more shared with him how they had been touched by his gentle kindness, sincerity, prayers for them, and presence. To be around him was to feel loved and respected, listened to and cared for.
Gus had a meekness and wisdom born out of His faith in Jesus Christ, whom he followed with his whole heart. Gus was generous with his time, serving in Church leadership for many years. An excellent listener Gus spent countless hours visiting with people, and sometimes helped to lead services when a pastor was unable. He loved singing, and for many years cherished being a part of a group called The Master’s Own.
Gus also loved the outdoors. Some of his happiest moments were spent at campgrounds in Ontario or Florida with children, grandchildren, siblings and friends. Gus enjoyed playing volleyball and bocceball, hiking, canoeing, campfires and coffee time, and is remembered for his long around the island swims at Charleston Lake.
Though quieter, Gus had a playful sense of humor that brought joy to whomever he was with. He is remembered as a faithful friend, a devoted brother, an exemplary father, a playful, engaged grandfather, and a tender, loyal husband. In each of these roles, and in fact in life, Gus was an example of striving to live by the words, “Whatever you do, whether in word or in deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Colossian 3:17)
Gus was predeceased by his son-in-law, David Mantel. He is survived, and will be deeply missed by his wife, Margaret, his children: David (& Anne) Westra, Christine Mantel, Peter (& Alyson) Westra, Michelle (& Jared) Wilms, Laura-Jane (& Jon) van der Heiden, and by his grandchildren: Pieter, Sarah, Matthew, and Rachel Westra; Zachary, Timothy, Nicole, and Jessica Mantel; Reuben and Caroline Westra; Eli, Makayla, and Ezra Wilms; Alyvia, Landon, and Maelle van der Heiden. He is also lovingly remembered and will be deeply missed by his siblings, Leo (& Jannie) Westra, Peter (& Yvonne) Westra, Elly (& John) Breimer, along with Marg’s siblings, George Antoniak, Theo & Mary Breimer, and Ed & Joanne Breimer, and each of their children.
Both Visitation and a Funeral Service for Gus will be held at GRACE COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH (70 Garner Road East, Ancaster, Ontario). Visitation will be held on Friday, Sept. 8, from 2:30-4 p.m. and from 6:30-8:30 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 9. Interment at Carluke White Church Cemetery (corner of Carluke and Shaver Rds.) will take place ahead of the funeral at 3 p.m. A Livestream of the Service will be made available below under “Events”.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to The Dave Mantel Legacy Fund. Please sign the Tribute Wall.
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February 15 1954
September 5 2023
Death notice for the town of: Waterdown, Province: Ontario
death notice Gustave Gus Westra February 15 1954
September 5 2023
obituaries notice Gustave Gus Westra February 15 1954
September 5 2023
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Gustave Gus Westra February 15 1954
September 5 2023 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
I had the most pleasant time working with Gus at the Civic till I retired. He was the most gentle, most patient person I ever had the privilege to work with. I worked on the same unit as Gus. He always a ready smile on his face and we always traded stories. His face would always turn red especially when he is laughing as I tell him some “naughty” jokes. He was so kind and generous with his time to his patients and colleagues. He will be sorely missed.
I am very saddened to hear of Gus’s Passing. I had the pleasure of working with Gus for many years and know first had how much he was loved by patients and stalk alike. The world is a lesser place with his passing. My heartfelt sympathies go out to his family. He leaves a a hole not easily filled.
Robert Broatch RN