Obituary of Ralph E. Westgate

Ralph E. Westgate, 83, of Honesdale, PA. went to meet our Lord on his birthday, Tuesday August 27th at the Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton. He was the loving husband of Shirley P. Burchell Westgate. They celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary in November. Ralph was born August 27, 1930 in Lakewood, PA, the son of the late Arnold and Alice Westgate. He served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany. He was employed at Fairview State Hospital and then at Fowler Oil Company for over 50 years where he demonstrated his impeccable work ethic and constant willingness to help others. Ralph also served as an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Honesdale. He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing, golfing and skiing, and watching his grandchildren compete athletically. He built his own home, and a family vacation home at Lake Underwood, near his childhood home of Lakewood, where he was a revered member of the association and was awarded an honorary lifetime membership in 2012. Ralph enjoyed being around his family, especially his grand children. Anyone who knew and loved him knows what an amazing person he was, a kind and generous man, a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He will be truly missed by all. Surviving are his three sons, Randy Westgate and wife Meredith of Lancaster, PA; Timothy Westgate and wife Kathleen of Lewes, DE; Charles Westgate and wife Stephanie of Thompson, PA; and his nine grandchildren, Evan, Adam, Aubrey, Rosie, Andrew, Anthony, Sarah, Abbigail and William. He is also survived by his six siblings, Gladys Alger; Martha Cronise and husband Donald; Elliot Westgate and wife Ruth; Paul Westgate and wife Lois; Trudy Boas; Margaret Barber and husband Robert, and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive visitors at the 1st Presbyterian Church of Honesdale on Friday, Aug. 30 from 9 to 11AM, with a funeral service to follow at 11AM with the Rev. Michael Lyle officiating. Arrangements are attended by the Arthur A. Bryant Funeral Home 1228 Main Street, Honesdale, Pa 18431.