Robert (Bob) Westgate was born at his boyhood home in Newaygo on Dec. 15, 1942. He left this world unexpectedly on Oct. 28, 2024 at his home that he loved also of Newaygo. Bob was a skilled carpenter and had helped in building many of the bridges that we drive over every day. He was a proud union member for over 50 years.  He also built his own family homes, assisted by friends and family and was very proud of his accomplishments. In his earlier years he very much looked forward to his Elk hunting trips in Montana with the guys.  He loved to ride snowmobiles and participate in as many races as he could. He received a lot of trophies due to this passion. He always liked to square dance whenever there was something in the area, but always on Saturday night when the old Ox Bow Hall was still here. Later in life, he spent a lot of time on his tractor or backhoe and was teased about rearranging his property. Being a snow-bird his quieter side was spent enjoying the Florida weather and playing a lot of Joker games. He played whenever he could and provided many families and friends with the boards and the lessons to go with them. Being a carpenter, his boards were made to last.

Bob had 64 years of love with his wife, Linda and this union created Bobby (Lori) Westgate, Danny (Constance) Westgate, and Jodi (Kurt) Rohn. He and Linda also hosted four exchange students Danny, Thesco, Kate and Tina; so a lot was learned about Brazil and Australia. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Chase (Katie) Westgate, Morgan Strobridge, Chyanne (Jerrod) Marr, Alexx Strobridge, Nick Westgate, Jack Westgate, Todd (Michaela) Westgate and Rachel (Matt) Powell.  The family got larger with the great-grandchildren, Logan Westgate, Kaj Keilson, Leo Lang, Jordyn Strobridge, Sage Lang, Parker Strobridge, Ellie Lang, Makenna Westgate, Bailey Westgate, Cade Westgate, Aspen Marr, Demi Jo Westgate and Mason Powell. Also, Scarlett Marr and Rowan Marr are the bonus greats. He is also survived by his siblings, Raymond (Carolyn) Westgate, Edna Wood, Tom (Sandy) Westgate and Ida Kreuger. He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Debra Lynn Westgate; his parents Edgar and Sadie Westgate; siblings, Don (Sue) Westgate, Art (Luella) Westgate, Evelyn (Elon) Howe, Rodney Westgate, Gladys (Ray) Boucher, Lois (Lee) Staples and Barbara (Dave) Portz; and his half siblings, Basil, Richard, Marion, and Wilma.

A special thank you to the responders from Big Prairie and Croton for their thoughtful consideration as well as the Crandell Funeral Home.  A celebration of life will be held at the Big Prairie Church Community hall, 1988 S Elm Ave, White Cloud, MI on Saturday, November 9 at 2:00 pm. "Arnie" will officiate for him.