Peter Link Westergard (Pete) of Hailey, Idaho, spent nearly 20 years in the Wood River Valley. He passed away at the age of 43 peacefully in his sleep at his home on Friday, April 8, 2011.
Pete was born in Orange, Calif., on Jan. 28, 1968, from his parents Rita Kay and Richard Peter Westergard. Pete was the baby of five and admired his older siblings, Pam, Bob, Tamara and Randall. His fondest memories growing up were family gatherings in the backyard, trips to Europe (especially Germany) with his family, surfing and skateboarding. As an adult, he spent many years in the jewelry industry, which was something he was passionate about since he was in high school. He was a graduate gemologist from GIA in Santa Monica, Calif. He also loved fishing and traveling to Mexico.
But his greatest joys were his two children, Claire (age 8) and Chase (age 3). They were his everything. His quick wit and sense of humor were contagious and he brought a lot of laughter to everyone around him.
Pete was preceded in death by his father, Richard Westergard; his brother-in-law, Randy Dobson, and his loving dogs, Sheika and Stanley. He is survived by his children, Claire and Chase Westergard from Hailey; his mother, Kay Westergard from Santa Ana, Calif.; his siblings and their families, Pam Westergard Dobson and Carly and Kayla Dobson from Orange, Calif., Robert Westergard and his wife, Glenda, and daughter, Hannah, from Anaheim, Calif., Tamara Willis and her husband, Jim, and children, Zoe, Maya and Sam from Truckee, Calif., and Randall Westergard and his wife, Susan, and children, Shannon and Kaylyn from Boise, Idaho, and many cousins, aunts and uncles. He also shared very special friendships with Carrie Westergard, Jordan and Petrea Mara, Kerensa Majerus, the Waugaman family, the Booth family and many other clients and friends from California and Idaho.
A memorial celebration of Pete's life is planned for Saturday, April 16, at 5:30 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church of the Big Wood in Ketchum, Idaho, followed by a reception at the church. Pete's family welcomes all of his friends and acquaintances to join us with your stories and to honor Pete's memory.
In lieu of flowers, accounts have been set up for the Peter Westergard children's fund at Zions First National Bank, 111 N. First Ave. No. 1H, Hailey, Idaho 83333. Arrangements are under the direction of Summers Funeral Homes in Boise, Idaho.
