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Dennis Raymond Westlund, 84, passed away peacefully at Northumberland Hills Hospital in Cobourg from pancreatic cancer on September 13th, 2023 surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carol Ann; his children, Sean (Laura), Jane, Kent, and Jill; his grandchildren, Marie, Sarah, and Cameron; and his sister Verle (Curtis). Dennis was predeceased by his three younger brothers, Donald (Carol), Arthur (Frances), and Peter (Dorie).
Dennis was born to Raymond and Flora (Quick) Westlund and raised on a wheat farm in Saskatchewan, learning firsthand about crops, tools, farm machinery, and cold winters. In his father's workshop, he developed a love for all things mechanical.
After his education in a one-room school in Brownlee, Dennis attended the University of Saskatchewan where he earned B.E. (Engineering Physics) and PhD degrees. He met Carol Ann while she was in nursing school. After marrying in a small ceremony in 1964, they moved to England where Dennis completed an NRC post-doctoral fellowship in engineering at the University of Manchester.
Dennis’ ingenuity and inventiveness propelled his career. Upon returning to Canada in 1966, Dennis began work in the newly formed Process Engineering and Control department at General Electric in Peterborough, where he met his lifelong friend and colleague Geoff Anderson. After relocating to London Ontario in 1980, they worked together at A.G. Anderson Ltd and True North Molds. These companies poured metal castings and built patterns for the automotive industry using (then-new) CAD/CAM technology. Dennis’ engineering spirit remained ever-present throughout his career, even after his iron ring went missing. (Fear not: he forged a new one from steel pipe, using a saw and hammer.)
Together, Carol Ann and Dennis raised four children on Sprucedale Avenue in London. Dennis believed that education was key, and to that end he was quick with the chequebook, and sometimes helpful with homework. From this focus on learning came an engineer, a chartered accountant, a financial analyst, and a pharmacist.
The skills and passions Dennis developed in his early years on the farm were later evident in his abundant vegetable gardens, fine woodworking, and ability to repair almost anything that needed it. He built furniture and remote-controlled airplanes, and many lucky boys received their first train set from his woodshop.
Dennis and Carol Ann retired to the Kawartha region in 2001, where Dennis designed and oversaw the construction of a grand cottage on Chandos Lake. After more than a decade of lakeside living, they relocated to Cobourg in 2015.
Dennis enjoyed social gatherings over the years, especially Gourmet Club weekends with old friends, and hosting autumn Canadian General Electric reunions. Many reading this know the pleasure of his smoked salmon on the BBQ, or his oversized gin and tonics (Tanqueray preferred). He enjoyed Moose Tracks ice cream, and had a preference for well-done steak (despite his family's attempts to change his mind).
Dennis read hundreds of books on all topics, and was particularly interested in historical fiction, current events, and business. He enjoyed fishing trips with brothers, sons, and nephews, though he rarely brought home the Westlund fishing trophy. One highlight of Dennis’ travels throughout Canada was successfully completing the Chilkoot Trail in 1998. International travel was more hit-or-miss — there’s no place like home, as they say.
Functions to honour Dennis’ life will be held in Cobourg (in October 2023) and Brownlee, Saskatchewan (in Spring 2024).
We are grateful to Dr. Francesco Mulè for his care and pain management during Dennis' final weeks. We also thank the palliative care staff at Northumberland Hills Hospital.
Donations in Dennis’ name may be made to the Canadian Hemochromatosis Society.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Hemochromatosis Society
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Hemochromatosis Society
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Hemochromatosis Society
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Hemochromatosis Society
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Hemochromatosis Society
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Hemochromatosis Society
Carol Ann…you and your family are in in my thoughts and prayers. As our next door neighbours years ago, you and Dennis were the best! Sending you hugs and love.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Hemochromatosis Society
Our deepest condolences to the Westland family. I worked with Dennis for many yeas at A.G. Anderson Ltd. & True North Molds in London Ontario. Dennis trained me to take over his position at True North Molds. He was a great man who always gave respect to everyone. Whenever you asked a challenging question, he would always say. That's a good question, let me get back to you on that and he would always get back to you with the logical answer. So sad, our thoughts and prayers are with you 💓
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Hemochromatosis Society
Carol Ann and family. I am so sorry to hear about Dennis. My thoughts are with you at this time.
Carol Ann, we were saddened to hear that Dennis had passed away. Our deepest condolences to you and your family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Hemochromatosis Society
Carol Ann, our deepest condolences from Petticoat Lane volunteers, on your tragic loss.
I remember Dennis well from my days at GE in the late 1960s. He was easy to get along with and we enjoyed working in engineering control systems. We reconnected several years ago with Geoff and Penny at their cottage. Mary and I send our sympathies for your loss.
I remember Dennis well from my days at GE in the late 1960s. He was easy to get along with and we enjoyed working in engineering control systems. We reconnected several years ago with Geoff and Penny at their cottage. Mary and I send our sympathies for your loss.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Hemochromatosis Society
Carol Ann and family, we are so saddened to hear of Dennis’ passing. Our heartfelt condolences to you all. David, Wendy, Emma and Sara
I was so sorry to learn that Dennis had died. My deep condolences to Carol Ann and family. Visits with you were very special. Love & hugs, Sue xxx
We are thinking of you and your family at this very difficult time.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Hemochromatosis Society
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Hemochromatosis Society
We are very sorry to hear about Dennis and his passing. We have great memories of all the Westlund’s and the great times we had on Sprucedale with them. Our thoughts are with the family.
Dear Carol-Ann With deep sadness, we have received the news of Dennis’ passing. We want to let you know how much we sympathise with you during this difficult time. We cherish fond memories of our visit at the Chandos cottage in 2010, the ‘smoked salmon’ in 2017 and our road trip together through France and Italy in 2014. We hope that you and your family can draw strength from the beautiful moments and memories you shared together. With heartfelt condolences, Marcel, Ingrid, Michaël and Mathias
Sending our condolences and love to all the Westlunds. I have many fond memories of time spent with Uncle Dennis. I am so sorry to hear about your great loss. I hope memories of him bring you some comfort soon.
Carol Ann, Sean, Jane, Kent, Jill: I am so sorry to hear that Dennis has passed away. Heather Hunt
We will miss Dennis, a great neighbour who was always available to share his knowledge with amateur DIY’s, split a beer in the garage and share a story. Our condolences to Carol Ann and all the family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Hemochromatosis Society
Bob and I sent our condolences to Carol Ann and her family with the passing of Dennis, a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. We are sure he will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Our condolences to Carol Ann and all the family . A good , kind , intelligent man has left us. A great neighbour to us , we will miss Dennis’s humour and stories growing up in Saskatchewan. Our fond memories of him will continue.
Our sympathies to the Westlund family. Praying for your family during this time.
Our loving thoughts sent your way . We will remember the wonderful memories and cherish them in our hearts and minds . Reminds us to be grateful each day and the importance of celebrating life . Keeping you in our prayers . Love Laura and Sarah and Marie and Jonathan .
I knew Dennis through his wife Carol Ann. I found him to be a thoughtful, intelligent, lovely gentleman. My deepest sympathy goes out to his entire family. "May flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest."