HAROLD "HAL" WESTBY

September 8, 1936 ~ March 17, 2023

Born Sept. 8, 1936, in Aberdeen, SD, he was to become the eldest of the eight children born to Herbert Lewiston Westby and Angela Frances Schile.

He moved west with his parents in 1938, settling in Camas, WA. During WWII, Herb served in the Army and Angie worked in the Kaiser Shipyards. It was during those early grade school years that he became known as "Hal" to his schoolmates. The family moved to Vancouver, WA, in 1946, and other than time away for both military service and graduate school, Vancouver was his home.

Hal graduated from Providence Academy (Vancouver, WA), and Central Catholic High School (Portland, OR). After service in the U.S. Marine Corps (1955-58), he met and married Geraldine "Jerri" Maltby (Portland, OR). Educational benefits provided in the G.I. Bill enabled him to enroll as a Freshman at Clark College (Vancouver, WA). After completing 2 years at Clark College, he transferred to the University of Portland where he earned both his B.A. and M.A. degrees.

His doctoral studies began with a one-year study leave which was spent at the University of Washington (Seattle, WA). The following year he transferred his program to the University of Oregon (Eugene, OR). Having completed all requirements, Hal was awarded the Ph.D. Degree in Higher Education Administration by the University of Oregon in August 1980.

His career in education began at Lincoln High School (Portland, OR) where he taught English and Speech for 3 years. The next 25 years were spent as a teacher and administrator at the University of Portland. In 1989 he started a consulting practice working with non-profits on management, marketing and fundraising projects. He remained actively engaged in these activities until December 31, 2014.

A founding member of St. Joseph Catholic Church (Vancouver, WA), he served on several committees over the years. At various times he chaired the Religious Education Board, School Board, Parish Council and Finance Committee.

Hal joined the Knights of Columbus in 1959 as a charter member of St. Joseph's Council, #4782. His 4th Degree membership was in Mother Joseph Assembly, #1178. Major offices held included those of Grand Knight, State Deputy and Supreme Warden.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Herb and Angie; and his wife of 55 years, Jerri Westby. He was also predeceased by his siblings, Colette Westby, William Westby, Sheila O'Malley and Barbara Paull.

Hal is survived by his sons, Mark (Leslie) and Greg (Patti). Also surviving him is his daughter, Monica Jochim (Gary). Surviving grandchildren are Taylor Westby (Allie), Briggs Westby (Hannah), Chase Westby (Alex), Madison Peters (Micheal), Alex Westby, Rebecca Westby, Sarah Jochim, Jake Jochim (Kylie); and great-grandson Wells Jochim.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 4, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 6600 Highland Drive, Vancouver, WA 98661. A recitation of the Rosary will begin in the church at 10:00 a.m. All are invited to a luncheon/reception in Marian Hall immediately following Mass. Private Interment will take place at a later date.

There will be no public viewing at Hamilton Mylan Mortuary.

The family would like to thank his physicians at the Vancouver Clinic. In addition, we thank PeaceHealth Hospice and the caregivers at Touchmark Assisted Living.