Harry Elmer "Wes" Westmoreland

Harry Elmer 'Wes' Westmoreland, 96, of Duluth, died Aug. 16, 2005, in his home. Wes was born on Aug. 26, 1908 to Harry and Dora Westmoreland in Letcher, S.D. Wes attended Central High School in Minneapolis and the University of Minnesota. He began his career in journalism at the Minneapolis Journal and the Robbinsdale Press. As the radio industry grew, he became operation manager at WLOL in Minneapolis. In 1943, Wes came to Duluth as Director of Operation for WEBC and the Arrowhead Network. Wes left radio in 1949 to open his own advertising public relations agency, H.E. Westmoreland Inc. The agency grew and expanded into what is now Westmoreland- Flint. Wes' love of people and belief in his community was reflected in his extensive volunteer activities. He had been a member of the Rotary Club 25 since 1943, serving as president in 1954 and 1955, District Governor from 1975 to 1976. Wes was a founding member of the committee to build a Medical School at UMD. He worked to develop and pass the taconite amendment. He was involved in the formation of the University for Seniors, served as President of the Board of the Benedictine Health Center from 1999 to 2001. He has served faithfully as a Senior Warden, vestryman and lay reader at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Wes served on the Board of Directors for Operation Aware. He had been active in the Republican Party as District Chairman in many political campaigns. Wes was a compassionate businessman and a consummate volunteer, he lived his life to be of service with integrity, optimism and faith. He desired always to be part of the solution and never part of the problem. Wes is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothy (Stevenson). He is survived by his daughters, Diane (James Joseph) Golden and Gloria (Phil) Smith; grandchildren, Shawn (Mark) Stokes, Scott (Tara) Golden, Dan (Tomm) Golden, Erin (Scott) Pike, Timothy Golden, Christopher (Sarah) Golden, Mariah Golden Marson, Briar (Joe) Fischer, Laura (Kelly) Congdon, Tyler (Elizabeth) Condgon; four step grandchildren, Penny (Jim) Smith, Pamela (Mike) Latanision, Paula (Eames) Gilmore, and Patrice (Louis) Friedman; 33 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Special gratitude to his devoted fellow Rotarians, his caring church family and to Sheri Brantley for her loving faithful service. Memorials are preferred to the Westmoreland Foundation at Rotary Club 25 of Duluth or to St. Paul's Episcopal Church. VISITATION:5 to 7 p.m. Friday in the Jarvi-Dowd Funeral Home and from 10 until the 11 a.m. service Saturday in St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Inurnment will be in the Church Columbarium.