Jack Westbrook

July 5, 1921 - April 21, 2008

Charter Member of The Rotary Club of Calgary South

Rotarian February 17, 1955 - April 21, 2008

Our Friend and Fellow Rotarian Jack Westbrook passed away Monday morning April 21, 2008.  He had been hospitalized with heart and breathing problems over the past few months.  Jack is survived by his wife Mae and sons Lee, David and Kenneth and grandchildren.  He was predeceased by his first wife Gretta who passed away in 1975.

Jack loved Rotary particularly the fellowship and friendship.  He was more than a Charter Member of our Club - he was a Founder and a Builder.  His call for Club Vitality and Enthusiasm during his year as Club President (1958-1959) left these virtues ingrained in our Club Culture leading directly to the robust, exciting Club of today.  Jack was one of a handful of our Members to serve as Club Secretary, Treasurer, Director and President - a tribute to his talent and dedication.   He hosted the 1958 District 536 Conference in Banff and organized the 1963 District Bonspiel where his team swept through undefeated!

The Westbrooks were deeply involved with the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park for many years.  Jack served as President of the Association but will be best remembered for Sunday at the Westbrooks cottage in Waterton.  Calgary South Rotarians and Partners along with a few Rotarians from other Clubs retired to the Westbrooks following the "Hands-Across-The-Border" ceremony to enjoy memorable fellowship with burgers - turned by the Club President of the day.

Peace Park with the Westbrooks - Waterton
Jack and Mae September 2003	Jack and Ken Copithorne 2003	Jack and Mae 2005

Jack's early years were spent in Lethbridge where he was born and educated through high school. Following high school he spent two years at Calgary's Mount Royal College.  He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1942 training as a pilot at several Western Canadian RCAF bases.  Jack received his commission as a Pilot Officer on March 19, 1943 at a ceremony attended by both his proud parents.  He trained as a pilot instructor and spent three years training new RCAF pilots in High River.  Jack was discharged from the RCAF in 1946.

He joined the Canadian Bank of Commerce (later the CIBC) where he served as Banker in several small Alberta towns before being appointed Manager of the 5010 McLeod Trail Branch in Calgary.  Always eager to make friends, Jack joined other McLeod Trail business leaders in an informal group calling themselves the "McLeod Trail Space Cadets."  When the Rotary Club of Calgary embarked on establishing a second Club in the City, Jack and his Space Cadet buddies Ross Marshall, Scotty Grant and Larry Winter were naturals and became Charter Members.  The rest is History.

Jack has made a lasting contribution to Rotary through his leadership at the Club and District level.  We'll miss our Senior Past President and a great gentleman.  Rest in Peace Jack, you can be truly proud of your service to your Country, your Community, your Customers and your Rotary.  You are truly appreciated.