Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Carl Arnold Westerdahl (October 19, 1937 - April 3, 2013)
Bruce’s Brother

Carl Westerdahl, son of Carl Arnold and grandson of Carl Gustaf didn’t have hobbies. He had passions, and he embraced each one with curiosity and enthusiasm.

History, opera, architecture, NASCAR, birding, railroading, classical music, photography, travel, art, sailing, gourmet foods and college and professional sports were some of Carl’s numerous and wide ranging interests.  Well-informed in each of these areas, he delighted in sharing his knowledge with others.

Carl not only researched each of his areas of interest, but he also was able to remember much of what he learned. Remarkably, this Renaissance man could recite names, dates and places in a casual discussion with others or in a classroom setting.

Carl mourned the death of his first wife, Mary, and his son, Eric, but he dried his tears and reveled in his love for his new wife, Susan Clarke and the accomplishments of  his children, Maura and Carl, their spouses Tom and Karen, his daughter-in-law, Martha and his graddaughter, Elizabeth. Carl also treasured his many friendships with others from college presidents to the local barber, and he rejoiced in interactions with friends and family. 

In his fight against cancer which took his life too early, he was a warrior. If it depressed him he rarely showed that face to others, and he rarely felt sorry for himself or felt life had cheated him. 


The program prepared for Carl’s Memorial Service includes a fitting quotation from the poet Walter Savage Landor which reads in part: 
“I warm’d both hands before the fire of Life..."

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