Obituary of Robert Hendrik Westra

September 8, 1929 – Amsterdam, Netherlands

October 18, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Robert Hendrik Westra, beloved husband of Louise Westra (nee Hazelzet), of Calgary, AB, passed away on Monday, October 18, 2021 at the age of 92 years.

Robert was born in Amsterdam and grew up in Bloemendaal, The Netherlands. He received his degree in geology and paleontology from the University of Amsterdam in 1956 and later on became a member of The Association of Professional Engineers, Geologist and Geophysicists of Alberta. Robert and Louise married in 1953. They spent many years in a number of unique locations such as Indonesia, Las Palmas, and finally Bahrain before immigrating to Canada in 1967. Other than the years 1980-83 during which time Robert and Louise lived in Libya, they spent the rest of their time in Calgary.

Robert had many hobbies and passions including tropical fish, stamps, literature (especially Russian), music, and above all, family. Robert and Louise together raised five children and enjoyed spending time with the family, including now fourteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Robert and Louise also loved spending time at Columbia Lake, a very special place that continues to be cherished by the whole family. They travelled extensively throughout their lives and had many adventures and stories to tell. Robert will be sorely missed for his stories, jokes, and frequent armchair discussions.

Besides his loving wife of 68 years Louise, Robert is survived by four sons and daughters-in-law and their children, Igor and Samantha Westra of Wilmington, North Carolina; Allard Westra and Niamh O’Shea of Vancouver; Arne and Alisa Westra of Lethbridge; Menno Westra and Diza Veiga of Calgary and Manaus, Brazil; and his daughter and son-in-law and their children, Yolande Westra and Bob Staples of Grande Prairie.

Robert is also survived by his cousins Mart van der Busken (Betty), Noortje and Emmy; his niece Joke (Janus) and nephew Pim (Daphne) Westra and their children of The Netherlands; and his niece Myra Rauchbaar (Rita) of Curacao; and his extra special nephew Paul Rauchbaar (Jolies) of Calgary. Robert was predeceased by his brother Han Westra and his sister Corianne Rauchbaar.

An extra special thank you is extended to Dr. Jill Teschke who went over and above all expectations in providing exemplary care, to the nurses and care givers from Ohana Care, and to the Palliative Care nurses in helping Robert and family through these past difficult months and especially in enabling Robert to fulfill his wishes.  

Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB), on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Those attending will be asked to confirm one of the following, (A) COVID vaccination (date requested), OR (B) a negative COVID test (within 72 hours), OR (C) Medical exemption AND valid government identification (with name & date of birth) OR (D) Under 12 years of age. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Westra’s service streamed live below on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Robert’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Robert Westra, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.

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