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Lester Westling Obituary
Fairfield - (1930 - 2019)
The Reverend Doctor Lester L. Westling, Jr., passed away in Fairfield, California on May 2, 2019, after battling cancer. A Requiem Mass at St. Luke's Anglican Church (1750 Canby Rd., Redding, CA) on May 20th at 10:00 a.m., will be followed by burial with full military honors at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery in Igo. A memorial service will also be held at Paradise Valley Estates in Fairfield, CA on May 13th at 2 p.m.
Lester was born and raised in Oakland, California, the son of Lester L. Westling, Sr. and June Westling. He graduated from the University of the Pacific, completed a Master of Divinity at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific, as well as Master of Arts in Pastoral Psychology and Doctor of Ministry degrees from San Francisco Theological Seminary.
Lester was ordained Episcopal Deacon in 1950, and Priest in 1956. He served as Curate and Vicar in the Diocese of California from 1955-60, and Parish Rector of All Saints Redding from 1987-1995. In the intervening years, he was a Missionary in the Philippines with Igorot Tribes and a Chinese School and Parish from 1960-66, and U.S. Navy Chaplain from 1966-87. Military service included 2 years in combat in Vietnam with Marine Infantry; Field Medical and River Boat Patrols; surface, air and submarine deploying commands; and Naval hospitals. As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 1975, Lester established a program for introducing family therapy to sea services, and was a Psychotherapist and Diagnostician at a mental health clinic in Red Bluff, CA.
Written works include a doctoral dissertation on ministry to prisoner of war returnees and their families; and three books: "All That Glitters: Memoirs of a Minister," "When Johnny/Joanie Comes Marching Home: Reuniting Military Families Following Deployment," and "After the Parade; Adjustments Confronting Military Personnel and their Families."
Lester was preceded in death by his beloved wife Marjorie, sister Harriet Shank, and his parents. He is survived by children Karla Bakke (Peter), Lester Westling, III, and Karen Jerome (Brett), several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Alzheimer's Association, and Disabled Veterans of America.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lester Westling
Sponsored by Allen & Dahl Funeral Chapel - Redding Redding.
6 Entries
August 13, 2019
A great man, who spent part of his life with us in the Philippines. Thanks the Lord for the wonderful opportunity to have Rev. Dr. Westling Jr. with us, even after all these years never miss bringing Christmas joy to me. I'll miss you.
Rev. Dr. Westling Jr. , May eternal rest grant unto you, May the Lord's perpetual light shine upon you. I know you are now happy to be with the Lord.
To the family, my sincere condolences.
Paul Siverson
May 24, 2019
My sincere condolences to the family. The Padre was my confident for many years and I had the honor of serving along side him. Our personal contact through the years brought joy to us both. Fair winds and following seas my Warrior Brother.
May 19, 2019
I completely admire all the faithful and dedicated works shared by this HERO. Les had such a unique rich combination of talents, and experiences we seldom ever meet. Bless him and his family eternal. I learned so much in his classes re Veterans returning to civilian realm, and know he personally sacrificed for the greater good. Lori Bridgeford, MFT
May 19, 2019
It has been an honor to know this great man and an honor to escort him to NCVC. RIP You will be missed. Semper Fi. Pastor. God Bless.
Richard Raker
Commander
American Legion
Shasta Post 197
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
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Allen & Dahl Funeral Chapel - Redding2655 Eureka Way, Redding, CA 96001
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