Roger Thurman Westenskow

Roger Westenskow - Road Trip

I first met Roger some 60 years ago in high school.  During those years it was always Roger, my best friend, Tossy, and me.  We were bonded together as friends.  We maneuvered our way along the tenuous, sometimes treacherous, path of growing from childhood into young adulthood. We had adventures, lots of fun and mischief aplenty. Sometimes we enhanced each others' lives; sometimes we saved each others' lives.  We were like the Three Muskateers.

After high school, I married and moved away; Tossy married and stayed; Roger remained in Utah.  Our lives took seperate directions.  I have always kept in touch with Tossy.  But, for some years I didn't talk with Roger or know much about his life.  Then, I had occasion to contact him and share my support for what he was going through.  Some years ago I learned that he had lost his Beloved, who had also been an old friend of mine.  I searched him out on the internet.  There began the renewal of our old friendship, as I listened to his grief and offered what I could to help.  We started to correspond, to talk on the phone, quite regularly.  As time went on his life improved and he found a new Love.

Our regular calls grew fewer, maybe 3 or 4 times a year, just to keep in touch.  We saw each other in person along with our mates at the 50th high school reunion and just a few years ago when my Husband and I were visitng in Salt Lake.  I knew that he was sick, had fought and won against cancer.  It just seemed like he would always be there.  Whenever we would end a call or an email, he always said "K-bye".  That had started 60 years ago.

Just over a month ago Roger called while I was sitting in a restaurant with my Husband at the Oregon Coast.  He gently chided me for not calling for awhile, but, neither of us were really that great at calling very frequently.  We chatted for some time and we said "K-bye".  Just a few days ago I decided to check in with him.  But, when I called I got a strange message that his phone was not available.  There was a quiet inner voice that told me this was not OK, that I should check the Salt Lake obituaries.  There he was.

I now realize that he had called me to say goodbye.

I am left with a wistful sadness at his passing. At first I could not imagine how to express this.  But, I had to share our little piece of history.  Roger always loved his cars and a good road trip.

Dear Roger, farewell on your road trip to eternity.  K-bye, old friend.  K-bye.

With love and sweet memories, Bonnie (McGregor) Leiser