Search by Name

Search by Name

JON WESTLING Obituary

WESTLING, Jon Who served as president of Boston University from 1996 to 2002, died peacefully at his home on January 15, 2021. He was 78.

Friends and colleagues remember him as a man of deep learning, humor and generosity. In his nearly 50 years at BU, Jon recruited Nobel Prize recipients to the faculty, taught medieval history to generations of students, and even got B.B. King and Bob Dylan to perform on campus. Among his many interests, Jon loved riding motorcycles and listening to the blues; he also had an abiding love of good food, company and conversation. Born in Yakima, WA to Jean and Norman Westling, Jon is survived by his children, Emma Westling of Stoneham, MA, Matthew Westling of Boston, MA, Andrew Westling and his wife Nicole of El Segundo, CA, and his former wife, Elizabeth Westling of Brookline, MA.

The family hopes to host a Memorial at Marsh Chapel, Boston University later in 2021 when, hopefully, friends can gather in person. A fuller account of his life can be found at the BU Today website: www.bu.edu/articles/2021/remembering-former-bu-president-jon-westling

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

Published by Boston Globe from Feb. 9 to Feb. 10, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for JON WESTLING

Not sure what to say?





5 Entries

Bob Mahoney

February 3, 2024

Such a wonderful leader. Jon advanced BU to world class status.

Bob Mahoney

February 3, 2022

John was an extraordinary academic and civic leader. So proud to have worked with him.

Lenore Wadman

March 1, 2021

For several years I spent many hours at our local park speaking with Jon while our dogs played. Through these informal chats, Jon often entertained me by recounting his latest motorcycle ride, his adventures teaching history at BU, and offering me life lessons on raising children. He gave me plenty of witty one liners that I've adopted and continue to use to make other people laugh. He was a man with a big heart, a razor shart intellect and a wicked sense if humor. A gift to the world.

Robert Mahoney

February 27, 2021

Jon was a terrific leader and drove BU to great heights.

Geoffrey Bernstein

February 26, 2021

Jon was an incredible man. Beyond brilliant and one of the nicest guys around. I have such nice memories of being at the Westling house growing up, Jon always with a book in hand and teaching me something new every time. Sending so much love to the whole family, may his memory be a blessing

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Make a Donation
in JON WESTLING's name

Memorial Events
for JON WESTLING

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support JON's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor JON WESTLING's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more