Donald Westra
North Haledon - WESTRA, Donald W., 80, went home to be with his Savior and Lord on October 15, 2018. Born in Paterson on June 10, 1938, he lived most of his adult life in Wayne and most recently, North Haledon. He is preceded in death by two sisters, Ruth Wellema and Doris Walkotten and two brothers, Harry Westra and Robert Westra. He was a member of Faith Community Church in Wyckoff.
He was a loving, devoted husband to his wife Judith (Hagedoorn) for 56 years. Beloved father to son Donald Westra Jr. and wife Mary of North Haledon, daughter Pamela Abma and husband James Abma of Wyckoff, son Michael Westra and wife Sandra of North Haledon, and son John Westra and wife Kristin of Pequannock. Adored grandfather ("Pop Pop") to 11 grandchildren plus 5 grandchildren through marriage, as well as 4 great-grandchildren.
After high school, he spent time serving in the Coast Guard, after which he began working with his brothers Harry and Robert installing tile. In 1955, he and his brothers founded Wayne Tile Company where he faithfully invested the rest of his working life.
He was a very humble, generous person, with a deep love for God that has influenced multiple generations of his family. He had a fun, silly side and was always up for any kind of adventure. He especially loved spending time with his family in the Adirondack Mountains, and enjoyed skiing, snowmobiling, boating, and golfing. Following retirement, he enjoyed spending winter months in Florida and traveling abroad.
The family will receive family and friends on Thursday from 4-8 PM at Vander Plaat-Vermeulen Memorial Home, 530 High Mountain Road, Franklin Lakes.
Memorial Service Friday 11 AM at Faith Community Christian Reformed Church, 530 Sicomac Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ.
Private Burial.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Eastern Christian School Association, 50 Oakwood Ave., North Haledon, NJ 07508, or the Christian Healthcare Center (CHCC Foundation), 301 Sicomac Ave., Wyckoff, NJ 07481.
For further information please visit www.vpmemorial.com or call us at (201) 891-4770.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Vander Plaat-Vermeulen Memorial Home.
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Oct
18
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Vander Plaat-Vermeulen Memorial Home530 High Mountain Rd, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417
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Vander Plaat-Vermeulen Memorial Home530 High Mountain Rd, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417
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