WESTBROOK, John “Dale”
Kalamazoo
John “Dale” Westbrook was at home under hospice care when he peacefully passed away on Friday evening, June 9, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Dale was born on May 1, 1938, in Kalamazoo, MI; the oldest son of eight children born to Raymond and Alice “Genevieve” (Case) Westbrook. He was a 1956 graduate of Richland High School. On September 17, 1960, Dale was united in marriage to Suzanne (Cummins) Westbrook, who preceded him in death on June 8, 1997. Their marriage was blessed with four children: Diane, Bruce, Eric, and Michael. Dale was employed by the Shakespeare Company as a supervisor for a time before being hired into a second shift janitorial position by the Upjohn Company in 1965. After a while, he bid on and was awarded a position in fine chemicals as a lead operator. Eventually, Dale became a supervisor in fine chemicals, and he loved his job. When building #335 was being planned, Dale was tapped to fly all over the world to learn about computerized systems from other companies to possibly implement at Upjohn’s newest building. He assembled a great working team of highly skilled and competent employees to work with him. Dale was extremely proud to be awarded the prestigious W.E. Upjohn Award in 1986. He retired from the Upjohn Company in 1995 after 30 years of service. After retirement he promptly bought himself a fishing boat to nurture his passion of fishing for bluegills on our beautiful lakes. Dale was a kind man with a gentle soul who loved being outdoors in the peaceful world of nature. He loved working in his beautiful yard, mowing with his John Deere garden tractor, tending to a variety of flowers, feeding the birds & squirrels, and working on the general maintenance of his home. He also loved old time country music, classic cars, traveling to the U.P., hockey games, casino trips, old movies, jigsaw puzzles, sudoku, helping others and being a doting Grandpa to his grandchildren. With his friendly and easy-going personality, he enjoyed the company of family, friends, and neighbors often. In 1998, Dale was united in marriage to Cheryl (Cummins) Westbrook, who survives. They celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on March 7, 2023. Dale is also survived by his children and step-sons: Diane (Andy Purchase) Gills, Bruce (Julie) Westbrook, Eric (Lisa Cassada) Westbrook, Bruce (Nicole) Cummins and Robert (Gail) Cummins; grandchildren: Jessica (Logan Puckett) Parnaby, Michelle (Garrett Henegar) Tyler, Thomas “TJ” Gills, Conner, Cameron and Carson Westbrook, Brook (Ryan) Roon, Katelyn (Cole Mollohan) Cummins, and Megan and Josh Cummins; great-grandchildren: Hunter Wagner, Tyler Parnaby, Silas Puckett, Avery and Peyton Tyler, Johnathan and Billie Gills and Logan’s daughter, Chloe Puckett. In addition, Dale is also survived by his sisters: Joyce (Victor) Beauchamp and Sharon Hoke (MI); his brother, Darrell (Robin) Westbrook; two sisters, Joan Gramkow, and Shelley (Kevin) Foster (FL); sister-in-law, Linda Nendorf, along with many special nieces and nephews, several cousins, many lifelong good friends, and the best neighbors. Dale was preceded in death by his first wife, Suzanne; his youngest son, Michael (Lee Smith) Westbrook, his brother, Raymond “Gary” Westbrook, his sister-in-law, Vickilynn Westbrook, his sister, Jean (Bud Burgess) Wyatt; and his parents and grandparents. Per Dale’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A private burial of cremains at Riverside Cemetery and a celebration of Dale’s life will be held later this summer. The family suggests that memorial donations be directed to Compassus Hospice, 5220 Lover’s Lane, Suite 140, Portage, MI 49002.