Vernon Byron Westburg

Vernon Byron Westburg, 88, passed away at his home in Bellevue, WA on August 21, 2009 following a prolonged illness. He was a man of deep faith, living life looking forward, pointing unequivocally to Christ, and encouraging others around him to make their lives count. A musician, mentor, meticulous engineer, folk dancer, poet, and writer of limericks and beloved prayers, he told his children through words and example, that people, not things, are what matter most.Vernon was born in Chicago October 9, 1920 to Paul A. and Alpha V. Westburg. He graduated from North Park Academy & College, received his masters in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University and then a Ph.D. from Stanford in Electromagnetics. Happily married for 54 years, he delighted in his children and grandchildren. Vern worked over 35 years at Boeing, heading up the Electromagnetics group in the Space and Defense division. Years on the Eastside were marked with sailing his small boat, the Sea-Dog, on Lake Washington, attending the Seattle Symphony with his family and most importantly, serving as longtime member of Newport Covenant Church. In addition to his wife, Ann, he is survived by his six children, Paul and his wife Jane, David and his wife Kay, Sarah Perkins and her husband Jonathan, Martha Newport and her husband Patrick, Mary Thomas and her husband Doug, Elizabeth Westburg and her husband Brad Wheeler, and fourteen grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Alpha Jane Olson, and his parents.The family thanks Rita Rosengreen for her loving care during Vern’s final days. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gideons International, PO Box 140800 Nashville, TN 37214 or Newport Covenant Church, 12800 SE Coal Creek Parkway, Bellevue, WA 98006. Memorial service 7 PM Saturday, August 29, Newport Covenant Church. Arrangements: Evergreen-Washelli and Barton’s Funeral Home.

263008