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FUNERAL HOME

FitzHenry's Funeral Home -Carson City

3945 Fairview Drive

Carson City, Nevada

Kendrick Westbrook Obituary

A Life Well Lived

Kendrick Allen Westbrook

October 24, 1925

March 18, 2014

Kendrick Allen Westbrook passed away on March 18th, 2014 with his family by his side. Ken was born in Los Angeles, California on October 24th, 1925 to Duke and Mae Westbrook. He was a WWII veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge, but his adventures truly began after the war ended: he was a beloved shop teacher; a hiker, rock climber, mountaineer and scuba diver; a world traveler who rode camels in the Sahara, scaled mountains in Nepal and sailed the Panama Canal; a tenor in the Opera Chorus; a versatile athlete and enthusiastic sports fan; and an avid student of geography, geology, astronomy and biology. He was a true renaissance man who made friends everywhere he went, and he never said no to any new experience. Ken is survived by his dear friend Shirley Westbrook; children Dona, Rene and Chris; brother Frank; grandchildren Alia, Kiel and Annabelle; and an otherwise enormous group of loving family and friends. His motto was "just happy to be here", and his enthusiasm and endless joy for living will be greatly missed.

Join us for a raucous celebration of Ken's life on Saturday, March 22nd at 2:00 p.m at Hank and Jo Vanderbeek's home: 650 East Queen Way, Sparks, 775-358-3492. BYOB! Please visit kendrickwestbrook.weebly.com to view and share stories and photos. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made in Ken's name to K.I.N.D.: Kids in Need of Desks (www.unicefusa.org/kind).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Reno Gazette Journal and Lyon County News Leader on Mar. 21, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Kendrick Westbrook

15 Entries

Mikel

January 7, 2023

Hi, I'm the historian for the 284th Engr. C. Bn., of which Kendrick was a part of during WWII. I have put together a page to honor the guys and their journey through WWII. I have a few photos of Kendrick. I'd love to hear from family if they have any stories, photos or information to share that would be great!

284thcombatengineers.com

Thank you and stay well!
Mikel

Kathryn Loury

March 26, 2014

Dear Westbrook Family,
I know your dad a "Kenny"because he was a life long friend of my father, Jim Loury. They grew up together in Southern California because their mothers Mae and Zelma were best friends. I have known Kenny my entire life and remember him as a fun-loving, hardworking, and adventurous man. He was a true and faithful friend to my dad for 80 years and was warmly regarded by all of our family. He will be missed and remembered fondly. We are grateful we had in our life all these years.

C Bowden&family

March 26, 2014

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Nora and Lew Polizzi

March 24, 2014

So many memories. You and your family have always been a part of our family. We visited an internment camp today and were saying how much you would have enjoyed the tour. It was a fitting visit.

Tammy, Danny, and Jerry Butler

March 24, 2014

To the Westbrook Family and loved ones - We are all so sorry to hear of Mr. Westbrook's passing. For those of us who had him as a teacher, he will always be fondly remembered. Our sincere condolences.

March 22, 2014

Our thoughts and prays go out to you at the loss of your Father and Friend...
Linda and Dave Fitch

Paul Dugan

March 21, 2014

Always wanted Ken to write a book titled, "How to Retire". He enjoyed life and lived every moment to the fullest. I feel very lucky to have known him and to have him as a friend.

March 21, 2014

We have warm and treasured memories of singing in the Opera with Ken since the 1990's. May your heart hold all the good times you shared and all the love he gave you throughout the years. Our heartfelt condolences.
Jamie and Faye Wheeler

Kelly Seelye

March 21, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! I had the pleasure of meeting Ken a couple times wonderful man! I always loved to listen to Dona tell me all the amazing things he has done! Hugs and much love to you all!!

March 21, 2014

It was a pleasure meeting your dad, Chris. Yes he sure was a renaissance man!! I did not know he was in the Battle of the Bulge. I see where your dedicated military service stems from. Joan and Alan
Joplin

Cindy Wacker Hartley

March 21, 2014

Dear Shirley, Rene', Dona and Chris,
So sorry for your loss. I always liked Ken. He was always so patient with our antics and laughter! I always enjoyed visiting with him whenever we saw one another. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

March 21, 2014

We sang and partied with Ken for over 20 years with Nevada Opera. We will greatly miss our loyal friend and colleague.
Vinny & Debbie Cecere

Elizabeth Rose

March 21, 2014

Mr Westbrook, I remember your shop classes with fondness. How you managed to teach us without losing your mind at times was quite a feat. My thoughts are with your family and friends at this difficult time of saying "so long", but I know the stories about you will bring smiles and laughter. I raise the "Parting Glass" to your memory.

cheri (Lee) Zotter

March 21, 2014

Shirley, Rene, and Chris~So sorry to see that Ken has passed. Will try to make it to the gathering. I've had a name change, but I was your counselor at Reed.

Sherri Santos

March 20, 2014

I never knew Kendrick but his son Chris was our Pediatrician and friend in Yokosuka, Japan. Chris' dad must have been an amazing and wonderful man to raise such a talented and kind man as Chris. Our prayers are with your family.

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