Gary L. Westgate

August 31, 1946 - June 24, 2019

Gary L. Westgate, 72, passed away early in the morning on Monday, June 24, in the comfort of his home and surrounded by his children's love and his wife by his side.

Gary was born in Michigan to Norman Westgate and Vivian (Hoover) Westgate Wilburn on August 31, 1946. Gary was a 1964 graduate of Sandusky High School. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in Chu Lai, Vietnam. He was very proud of his service and strongly supported his military brothers and sisters throughout his life.

Following his military service, Gary became engrossed in the power lifting scene, nearly breaking world records in the dead lift and bench press. He went on to coach a women's power lifting team and opened his own gym with his buddy "Little John" Needham. He even welded much of his own gym equipment. He thoroughly enjoyed his time with his friends and his son "Jay-boy" pumping iron!

Gary was a skilled maintenance man, having worked for the ship yard, Providence Hospital, and retiring from GM as a welder. He could fix anything, which helped immensely with his ongoing home improvement projects and real estate work. He was a highly creative artist, producing countless wood and metal sculptures, paintings, drawings, and other mixed media art pieces. He was a devoted and generous father, selflessly supporting his children in their dreams, homes, barns, and education. Gary will be forever remembered by his grandchildren as their doting "Papa Gary" who would bring them donuts, take them out to eat, and delight them with his Donald Duck voice.

Surviving are his loving wife and caretaker, Elizabeth Jeanne (Hall) Westgate, whom he spent 22 years with; his son, Jason (Laura) Westgate; his two daughters, Sirka (Trusen) Schreck and Sasha (Matt) Griffin and his grandchildren, Alyssa (Kaelan) Bell, Lilly, Madison, and Hunter Westgate; Julia, Solveig, Tennon, Willona, Karis, Viviana, and Rainah Schreck; and Camille and Forrest Griffin. He is also survived by his nephews, Tony (Sue) Westgate and Randy (Dugg) Westgate.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Vivian in 2013. Vivian lived to be 98 years old, and Gary faithfully took care of her. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Jim Westgate in 2004.

Friends may call on Friday, June 28, 2019 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm for a memorial visitation at Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1607 E. Perkins Ave. Sandusky.