Colonel Harold USAF "Hal" WESTBROOK Jr.

Harold "Hal" Westbrook, Jr. passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on October 27, leaving behind a legacy of service, laughter, integrity, and love. His loss is profoundly felt by his devoted wife, Lei Broadstone, his family, and the many friends and colleagues whose lives he brightened with his humor, warmth, and generosity of spirit.

Born on August 22, 1962, in Elk Grove, California, to Harold Sr. and Janet Westbrook, Hal's life began in motion. His father's career took the family first to Hawaii, where his brother, Steve, was born, and later to Washington State, where his sister, Stacey, completed their close-knit family. Hal graduated from Tyee High School near Seattle before attending Willamette University, where he earned a degree in English in 1984. True to the spirit of a literature scholar, he carried a reverence for words and ideas throughout his life -quoting poetry, lyrics, and prose with ease and delight. His time at Willamette also gifted him with lifelong friendships through Kappa Sigma fraternity, brothers in both wit and camaraderie.

In 1985, Hal was commissioned through Air Force Officer Training School, beginning his active-duty career at Fairchild Air Force Base with the 325th Bomb Squadron. Fate smiled when his flight crew mate and closest friend, Dave Broadstone, introduced him to his sister, Lei - the love of Hal's life and his steadfast companion for the next 38 years.

Hal served with distinction as an Electronic Warfare Officer and Executive Officer before joining the 141st Air Refueling Wing of the Washington Air National Guard, where his career flourished. Over three decades of dedicated service, he led with intelligence, compassion, and quiet strength in roles that included Master Navigator, Chief of Plans, Logistics Readiness Squadron Commander, Mission Support Group Commander, Maintenance Group Commander, and Vice Wing Commander. His service earned him numerous awards and decorations, but those who served beside him will remember him most for his humility, humor, and steadfast leadership. He retired in 2015, leaving behind a career defined by excellence and honor.

After retirement, Hal and Lei continued to build a beautiful life together on their farm, where they bred, raised, trained, and showed Welsh Cob Ponies - an endeavor that reflected both discipline and joy, qualities that defined Hal himself. The farm was also home to generations of well-loved feline companions, each cherished under Hal's gentle and attentive care. Never one to stand still, he began a second career as Washington Office Administrator at Eide Bailly LLP, where his leadership, humor, and empathy endeared him to all who worked with him.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Hal believed deeply in community and connection. He served on the Board of Directors for Global Credit Union, the Spokane Civic Theatre, the March of Dimes Committee, and as former President of the Washington State Horsemen (NE Zone). Whether in the boardroom or the barn, he met every person with the same unfailing kindness and curiosity.

Hal will be remembered as a man of intellect and heart - a storyteller with a quick wit, a lover of literature and laughter, a loyal friend, and an eternal optimist. He never met a stranger, never turned away a friend in need, and never failed to find beauty in the everyday. His laughter was contagious, his counsel wise, and his presence steady. To know him was to feel seen, valued, and lifted.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Lei Broadstone; his parents, Harold and Janet Westbrook; his brother, Steven Westbrook; and sister, Stacey Westbrook-Tuttle, and their families; as well as his brother-in-law, David Broadstone (Jennifer); sister-in-law, Karen McMurtrey (David), and their families.

Interment will be held at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery, with a celebration of life to follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Minuteman Fund of Washington (http://minutemanfund.org/) SpokAnimal (https://spokanimal.org/).

To close, we honor Hal with the words he chose to mark his own retirement - a reflection of his poetic soul and enduring sense of wonder:

"The air was soft, the stars so fine,

The promise of every cobbled alley so great,

That I thought that I was in a dream."

- Jack Kerouac