Owen Francis Westenskow, loving and dearly loved father, friend, husband and grandfather, passed away on New Year's Day, 1994 from natural causes.
He was 85.A master carpenter and educator, Owen was measured and practical in his own life but lavish with those he loved. His gifts of time and talent were unbounded. He died following elective surgery, an operation he hoped would keep him from becoming a burden to friends and family.
Surviving are his wife Helen of 57 years; two sisters, Fern Bench and Marge Gardner of Delta; five daughters, Ann Chadwick, Phoenix; Harriet Johnson, Rock Springs; Carol Johnston, Brigham; Janet Jones and Jean Fenn, Plain City; 17 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; and dozens of life-long friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Niels Peter and Frances Ann Bench Westenskow; a brother, Elden; and two sisters, Maureen and Romania.
Born to a Manti farm family on March 27, 1908, Owen achieved a degree from Snow College and another in agriculture and mechanical arts from Utah State University.
In 1933, he met a spirited and spiritual young organist named Helen Tiller. They were married on May 28, 1936, in the Logan LDS Temple.
For six years, Owen taught agriculture at Delta High. Then he moved to Brigham City where he taught wood shop at Box Elder for 36 more years. Hundreds of Kids-who affectionately called him "Westy"-learned professional skills, not to mention decency and discipline, at his hands.
Through the years he received several professional honors and served his church in many capacities, including eight years in bishoprics.
In later years, he could be found shuttling grandkids from place to place, catching the east breeze on his front porch, and toiling in his shop, where he produced magnificent grandfather and mantel clocks.
And like his woodwork, Owen's life was all tight corners and burnished finish. He never slept in, never forgot a favor, never did a job half-way and never stopped loving to learn, nor learning to love.
He will never be forgotten.
Funeral services are at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 5, in the Brigham City 11th Ward chapel. A viewing is scheduled at 6 p.m. Tuesday, January 4, at the Olsen-Myers Mortuary, and at 12 noon, on Wednesday, at the church.
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