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Sept.18, 1974 to March 24, 2013

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear Jason Chad Westbury of Revelstoke, B.C. on Sunday, March 24, 2013 at age 38. Jason was killed in an avalanche in Roger’s Pass while skiing.

Jason was born on Sept.18, 1974 in Trail, B.C. and attended school in Rossland with K-8 at MacLean Elementary and 9-12 at RSS graduating in 1992. He attended Whitworth College in Spokane, Washington his first year of college and then to Selkirk College in Castlegar. He then decided to take time off to travel.

Jason was a good athlete – started skating and skiing at age 3. He played Minor hockey in Rossland until age 12 but switched to skiing and has done so ever since. For the summer, he played baseball starting in Trail Little League and continued through the leagues until age 19. He always had a bat or a ball and glove ready to be out there training. He was thrilled to get to play for 2 years on the Trail Allstars for Andy Bilesky and played in the Canadian Little League Championships that Trail hosted in 1987 as the starting shortstop. He played shortstop all the later years and always tried to emulate his favorite Blue Jay, Tony Fernadez. He played with the J.L. Crowe Hawks under Lou DeRosa and had some great memories of those years playing with the Trail boys who always called him “Whistle.”

He was a die-hard Oiler fan and loved Wayne Gretzky. If he could figure out a way to get to use the numbers 99 in anything – he did. Even in the lean years, he never wavered as a fan and had great hopes for their young guys that are there today.

His life was so brightened by his Sheltie dog, Lady. They spent many hours doing whatever a boy and his dog do. There was an evening ritual of seeing who could get into bed first to lie on the Wayne Gretzky pillow – most of the time Lady was quicker.

His love for skiing took him around the world - Australia, Chile, Argentina, India, Switzerland, France and all over B.C. He and his pals spent many hours out on the slopes. Jason usually led the group and they had to work pretty hard to keep up as he kept himself in top physical condition. From his visit to Australia, he arrived home with about 8 Aussies he met who loved skiing with him and they spent a winter here in Rossland to experience skiing.

He did several outdoor jobs - including rock climbing on some of the peaks in B.C.- as well as care giver for his great pal, Paul Derosa , until he decided a career path. He and Paul had skating sisters in common and figured out that they could stay home with Nonie while the rest of us went to the skating competition. They’d give a big cheer when we called them with results, all the time happy they were watching the Oilers or Flames on TV and eating Nonie’s yummy burgers.

In 2000, Jason returned to school at SAIT in Calgary, Alberta to become an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. He did very well at this and specialized in helicopter maintenance. Over the years this job took him to NWT, Yukon, Northern Alberta, Colorado, Texas, Australia, California and many places in B.C. His car travelled many kilometers as he kept his home base in Revelstoke.

Four years ago, he met a terrific lady, Lisa and she loved to ski and do all the outdoor activities that he loved and together they have skied many slopes and done lots of travelling. Together they took courses in First Aid and several ski training courses always trying to be prepared for whatever Mother Nature offered them on the slopes.

He had a wicked wit and was voted “Most Sarcastic” by his Grad class. His gentle heart and kindness meant his door was always open – seemed to always have lots of visitors over the winter months coming for a few days of skiing.

He will be deeply missed by his parents, Jan and Gary Westbury of Rossland , his sister, Stacey (Aaron) Wilson of Surrey, his girlfriend, Lisa Pettenuzzo of Revelstoke, grandparents Alice Westbury of Trail and Bill and Ruth Cridland of Moose Jaw, Sask. and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and numerous friends. He was predeceased by his Grandpa Ernie Westbury, his Uncle Bill Jeffrey, his pal, Paul Derosa and his Aunt Adele Bennett.

A Memorial Service for Jason will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 2:00 pm. at the Cominco Gym in the Trail Memorial Arena at 1051 Victoria Ave. Trail, B.C. Jordan Wren of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services™ has been entrusted with arrangements.

Rest in Peace –we all love you!

As an expression of sympathy, donations in Jason’s memory are welcome to any children’s charity of your choice.

You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family’s online register at www.myalternatives.ca



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