Ron Westerlund passed March 21, 2014, at home with his family, at age 79.
He was born April 1, 1934, in Woodland, Wash., to Alfred and Della Westerlund, then moved soon after to Astoria. He attended Astoria schools then entered the Navy.
As a young man, he worked at New England Fish Co., then went to work for 15 years at Larson Dairy/Darigold Farms, where he drove a milk tanker to several local area and Washington farms, having to cross on the ferry. He was plant superintendent for 5 years. After the shutdown of the dairy, he purchased a share in Astoria Plywood Corp., putting in 20 years till the closing, then going on to Astoria Warehousing until retiring. On June 25, 1955, he married Vicki Urell, and they have lived in their home in the Lewis and Clark area for 55 years. He enjoyed carpentry and coin collecting, loved trees and was so proud of his redwood he planted and cared for from sapling to sky high. He also enjoyed commercial fishing with his son in Oregon and Alaska, and trips to Arizona. He was a member of the Columbia River Maritime Museum, American Legion and a life member of the Elks. He helped in the beginnings of Fort Clatsop, spending many weekends clearing the grounds. Together they have two children, a daughter, Lori (Dave) Hubbard, and a son, Doug (Ann) Westerlund; three grandchildren, Andrea and Michael Larsen of Bend, Kaila and Mike Keyser of Silverton, and Michelle Westerlund of Astoria; and a great-granddaughter, Ava Keyser. Also surviving, a sister, Joyce, in Portland, a brother, Gordon, in California, and many special nieces and nephews. Ron was preceded in death by a brother, Ed Westerlund, and a grandson, Erik Hubbard. He will always be remembered, loved and greatly missed. Ron’s family wishes to express many thanks to Lower Columbia Hospice and Caldwell’s Mortuary for their very caring help. A family graveside service was held Sunday, March 23. Contributions may be made to the Columbia River Maritime Museum or a charity of choice.
