Roger Thurman Westenskow
April 15, 1947 - August 4, 2021
They broke the mold the day he was born to May and Thurman Westenskow on April 15th 1947. If you were lucky enough to be in Roger’s orbit, you know we lost one of the greats on August 4th, 2021. From the moment he entered the world he had a big appetite for life and an endless curiosity about how things work.
Roger had a quick wit and a knack for bringing an entire room into laughter with a joke, or one of his countless stories that kept everyone around him entertained. He was one of a kind and spread joy wherever he went, evidenced by his large network of friends, with many friendships spanning over decades.
He ran a successful business doing what he loved for many years without ever once having to advertise. Word got around in the circles around town, and his name was given if you needed an honest guy to help diagnose a complicated problem. It brought him great satisfaction to help people, and if you were interested in learning he was always willing to give you a long lecture on how it should be done. The shop was a hub where many characters would gather to socialize, talk about cars, and solve the world’s problems while Roger worked.
It was the end of an era when he “retired” and closed Baker Enterprise after 40 years, but in no way did Roger slow down. He continued to pack up his toolbox every day and head to the yard to work on the project du jour. Even after being diagnosed with Leukemia in 2018 he refused to let cancer get in the way of living his life to the fullest, which he successively did until the very end.
Roger leaves behind many family and friends who are sad to lose him, but there is no doubt we are all better off for knowing and loving him.
Roger never liked a fuss made over his birthday or special occasions and in true form it was his wish not to have a funeral service; but please take a moment to share a favorite memory and enjoy a beer topped with Clamato in his honor.
In Loving Memory
Roger was one of a kind... lucky to have known him. RIP Roger
Roger was a good guy. Always upbeat. He will be missed
So sad...and unbelievable. Our deepest condolences. RIP Roger. Hugs and love always. Doug and Brigitte
So sad...and unbelievable. Our deepest condolences. RIP Roger. Hugs and love always. Doug and Brigitte
I remember Roger in High School but became friends at our informal reunions at hogs wallow. Funny, likeable, redneck, and a quality not so obvious a big heart. Love you man really going miss you at the wallow. Bill
Roger and I met in the late 1960s fast became inseparably best friends. In 1970 we built, and ran our business for 14 years. We named it, Perpetual Motion Inc. Thank you Roger for your partnership, and for helping me to make some of my most favorite memories. I will miss you always. Jim.
My heartfelt condolences go out to Roger's entire family. Even though I did not personally know Roger, his daughter Destiny is my dear friend & I felt as though I knew him somewhat through Destiny's eyes. I wish I had met him in person. He lived his life to the fullest & yes, I will soon enjoy a glass of beer with Clamato. Cheers!
Roger was quite the character. I first met him about 1980 at Perpetual Motion. I was always humored by the way he described people and things. The last time Roger and I spoke he informed me about Gary Baker's passing. From the irreverent description of a red coat he wore in Jr. High School to how a drain pipe was too close to a wall in Baker's shop and necessitating the toilet having to be "Frenched" into the wall, one could always count on a colorful statement from Roger. He loved to infuse comments about the most common of things with automotive jargon. He truly was one of a kind man with a wry sense of humor. RIP Brother.
My heart breaks-I have lost my brother. Growing up with Roger was an incredible and wonderful childhood. Everyday was like Christmas morning. He had this magical way of looking at life. If you were lucky enough to know and be with Roger, then you experienced his one liners, his nicknames and some of the best fun that life has to offer. I was so blessed to be Roger's little sister.I loved him and will miss him so very, very much. Bonnie
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
In Loving Memory
