LeRoy Kent Westgate

February 20, 1945 - June 21, 2017

Visalia

LeRoy was born on February 20, 1945, in Defiance, Ohio. Early on in his life, his family moved to Adrian, Michigan, where they stayed until moving to California in 1955. Even though they relocated, his love for the University of Michigan continued to run through his veins until the end…Go Blue! After graduating from Lodi High School and San Joaquin Delta College, he received his B.A. from Sacramento State University with a major in music.

His passion for music started early when he chose to play the cornet in his own father's band in third grade. Through the years he continued to learn all instruments and found a particular love for percussion. He began his 33-year career in music education as the band director of Exeter Union High School in 1968. In 1974, he moved to Visalia and took a position as the director at Green Acres Middle School and the assistant to the Redwood High School Band. In 1979, he moved to Divisadero Middle School to oversee the band program and the bands for the surrounding elementary schools. He remained there until his retirement in 2001. The year before he retired he was honored with the Middle School Teacher of the Year. LeRoy inspired and shared his love of music with thousands of students during his tenure ranging in age from fifth grade to high school. Most likely, though, his most proud pupils were his two daughters, Brynne (trombone) and Justine (euphonium) who not only played, but also became drum majors at Mt. Whitney High School. Even after retirement, he continued playing in the Tule British Brass Band and for the orchestra at GateWay Church.

LeRoy's life cannot be easily summed up without acknowledging his gracious and giving heart, which was the foundation of how he chose to live his life. A man who put his faith in action, he volunteered at Bethlehem Center, was instrumental in the construction of a Habitat House as both a builder and family sponsor, donated platelets at the local blood bank, served on the Board of Trustees at the Visalia United Methodist Church and offered a smile to anyone who passed his way. Our photographs, which were often taken by him, capture our memories filled with camping and hiking across the West, motorcycle rides with the local Yamaha Star club, competitive board and card games, impromptu dance parties and family meals that he would prepare.

LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Treva Westgate, as well as his sister Maureen Clemons and brother Larry Westgate. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Lynne, and their daughters Brynne Westgate-Ganott (Jason) and Justine Kincade (Grant). LeRoy fiercely loved his five grandchildren: Addison, Magnus, Noah, Adelynn and Lucas and he deserved more time to watch them grow. He is also survived by his brothers, Jim (Donna) Westgate, and Steve Westgate, sister-in-law JoAnn Westgate and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to personally thank and recognize Wendi Valdez and her staff at Prestige Memory Care. You not only helped care for him, but supported our family as we navigated this painful process.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday July 8, 2017 at 11:00 am at GateWay Church 1100 S. Sowell in Visalia.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be given to UCSF Foundation, Memory and Aging Center. Visit online: [email protected]/brain or the Tulare County Symphony P.O. Box 1201 Visalia, CA 93279.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.

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

Published by Tulare Advance-Register & Visalia Times-Delta from Jul. 5 to Jul. 6, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for LeRoy Westgate

Sponsored by Miller Memorial Chapel.

23 Entries

Susan Larsen

September 9, 2022

I searched on Mr Westgate's name today when I got the question of who was my favorite teacher. I´m saddened to learn of his passing. He will be remembered fondly by so many. We called him "Big W" at Divisadero and Mr Whitney in the 1980´s. Concert and marching band are some of my best memories with his teaching. Once he was hollering and lecturing at us to do better and suddenly fell off his stool. We were all silent in shock! He stood up and said "OK everyone laugh now!" And we did and loved him more for that. RIP Mr Westgate and thank you.

Dave Olney

August 6, 2020

LeRoy and I were in the band at San Joaquin Delta College from 1963 to 1965. I remember his bright, cheerful demeanor, and his efficient care of his duties as band manager. I moved to Southern California in 1965 to attend Azusa Pacific College (university), and lost track of LeRoy.

Please accept my sincere condolences. My memories of this friend are many, good, and treasured.

Brian Miller

February 27, 2020

Divisadero 87-88, Mr. Westgate taught me to read music and play the saxophone. I loved music class and performing in parades in our red blazers with white pants. I always felt welcome and encouraged by him to do my best. Mr. Westgate is truly my favorite music teacher and has inspired me to teach music to kids now and put them into parades.

September 8, 2017

I am saddened to hear about Mr. Westgate's passing. He was agreat teacher, full of excitement and passion for music. He even made me drum major (Divisadero 79-80). Later I would run in to him around town, and he always remembered me. A great guy.

christina cortez

August 17, 2017

Leroy Westgate loved all of us he never gave up on us as we struggled with sight reading the music he carefully chose for us to read. He was a great band teacher to my brother Lee and me. He has left an indelible mark on our souls. I am truly honored and blessed to have him as a teacher and friend. He will be missed may he rest in Christ he has earned his crown of salvation. Christina CortezFormer band studentDivisadero 1984 to1986

Daniel Jackson

July 10, 2017

I am so sorry to hear about Leroy. He was a kind and caring individual with a profound regard for family and friends. He and his wife have contributed so much to the Visalia community. I had the privilege of teaching his two beautiful daughters who are a reflection of his heart. I have a sad heart today as I ponder Leroy's death. My fondest regards accompany this letter.

Kathy Sing

July 10, 2017

Lynn, so sorry to read the passing of your husband. He was always a joy to chat with and helped teach my boys their trumpet and saxophone at Conyer. May you and your girls find comfort, peace and the ability to remember all the great memories that were made. May God hold you tight during this transition. Take care.

Rosalie Bishop

July 10, 2017

Lynne and girls...We were so very sorry to hear of LeRoy's passing. We have very fond memories of him and your family over the years. He was such a great father to the girls. Soccer with Justine and Amanda sure was fun! Sending you and your family hugs.

Diana H

July 9, 2017

A memorable and very kind man who taught me so much about music and had more faith in my ability to play than I did. I loved band and this man's passion for teaching us how to be not just good but better than we dreamed as musicians. He had a great sense of humor and took our joking with him in stride. I'm not sure if he ever found out our group of band members from RHS were responsible for the TP decoration of his home one night with complimentary bow on the door. Loved the posted pics. Glad to see he had a full life. Didn't know he had children or rode a motorcycle. Rest In Peace until we see you again!

July 8, 2017

Lynn,
We loved you when you were Miss Mardahl. We were so happy when you became Mrs. Westgate because we loved Le Roy also. Thinking of you and the girls and praying for you. Sharing your grief. I like to think what a great addition he is to the angel band in heaven as he plays his sweet music. He inspired our three kids so much.
Edna Ikerd
Christina Ikerd
Richard Ikerd
John Ikerd

John Reed

July 7, 2017

Mr. Westgate inspired his students with a love of music, instilled in us a desire for excellence, and shared with us a wonderful sense of humor. His work ethic and passion for teaching helped lead me to my own teaching career. I am sorry to have lost one of my musical mentors and my sympathies go out to his family and friends.

Becky McClure

July 6, 2017

Lynne, Brynne and Justine,

So sorry for the pain you are now feeling as you navigate this. New place in your lives. LeRoy and all of you have had such special a pencil place in our lives. So glad the three of you live near one another so you can be of support to each other. I will be thinking of you on Saturdwy.

July 6, 2017

One of the good "bad boys." Only the Divisadero faculty will understand that. Very dedicated educator with whom I enjoyed working for my years at the best middle school in Visalia. You'll be missed by so many, but your legacy will live on; that's a big deal. Blessings, Jim Karjala

Susan Halen-Godina

July 5, 2017

Dear Lynn and Family:

The Halen Family sends thoughts and prayers to you at this time. You and Leroy were always so kind to my parents, Walter and Betty when they were living in Visalia. My mom sends her love.

Larry Kincade

July 5, 2017

Going to miss you LeRoy . Your community service was extradition . i was amazed and admired your community spirit . Rest in peace , you deserve to .

Lucia Morris

July 5, 2017

Now you're making beautiful music as the angels sing in heaven. Rest in peace Mr. Westgate.

Jülie Eckes-Bennett

July 4, 2017

This is painfully sad news to hear. Growing up I have the best memories of camping and swimming in his pool growing up with Brynne and Justine. He truly had a big heart and a passion for life. He was always the life of the party and had the best smile and laugh. My heart goes out to his family, and loved ones. The world needs more people like him, and his kindness won't ever be forgotten.

Anthony Flores

July 3, 2017

Mr. Westgate was great. He had a love for music, and a love for his kids. He whipped us into shape. His bands always got the Excellent, the top award, in the yearly competition. He gave me a greater appreciation of music. I will miss him.

Karle Stoll

July 2, 2017

I will never forget getting advice from Leroy on how to kill the weeds in my yard.... he said to go get Kill All and that should work. Well, it did. It killed my entire yard and you can only imagine what my husband said when he got home from work. Lol. He was the best neighbor. Prayers for Lynn and the family.

Divisadero Class of 1984-Thank you!!

Norma Castro Foster

July 1, 2017

Richard Dominguez

June 27, 2017

Mr. Westgate was my band teacher in 1975 at Green Acres Jr. High School in Visalia, CA. He went on to also be my assistant band teacher at Redwood High School as well as my private trumpet tutor. He was very passionate about teaching his students and really motivated them to learn and improve. I know he will be greatly missed.

Rebecca Hollar

June 26, 2017

Mr. Westgate, I am sorry to hear of your passing. I really enjoyed you as a band teacher, and marching band teacher, writer of half time routines, keeping us inline during parade competitions. Your enthusiasm for perfection inspired me. I think of you often. Rest now in peace.

Amber McConnell

June 24, 2017

He was a wonderful teacher. So many people have been fortunate to have been taught by him, myself included. His encouragement, patience and love for music made all of us students better. He was my teacher nearly 20 years ago and he is still one of my favorites. My condolences to his family. He will be missed.

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