Franklin Westad

Franklin "Don" Westad was born September 19th 1936 in Parkers Prairie, Minnesota and passed away on June 7th 2015 in Meridian Idaho surrounded by his wife, daughter, son-in law and 2 grand-kids. Don was a gentle giant who stood 6'6" tall. He loved and doted on his family, putting their needs above all else. He was hardworking and quite generous. Don was not much of a talker. Those who were fortunate enough to know him, understood he would engage in topics he felt strongly about.   He was passionate about his Norwegian roots and cultures and local school sports.Don attended Beaverhead County High School from 1952 to 1955. He was a driving force on the schools Basketball and Football teams. Much like most kids , he worked various jobs in and around Dillon, Helena and surrounding areas.After high school, Don went into the service. He joined the Army National Guard of Montana, then became active in the United States Air Force from 1955 through 1960. While he served in the USAF, he was part of the installation squadron. In addition he received training and successfully completed Engineer school and Draftsman school. After he honorably served the military, he went on to work jobs in Southern California. His position at Los Angeles Unified School District started with Heating and Air Conditioning installation and maintenance and worked up to Inspector. In 2001 he retired and moved back to his hometown of Dillon, MT. Don has a large family. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Faye Westad of Dillon Montana. He has 3 children, Donald Scott Westad, LaDonna Westad Blackwood and Christopher Westad. Franklin "Don" is brother to Elroy Westad and survived by his sister Marlene Tash of Dillon Montana. Don is survived by 11 grand children. Janean (of Dillon); Kevin, Sean, Ian, Amber, Cassandra, Adriana, Christopher, Matthew, KelliAnne and Joshua. He is also a Great Grand-Father to Katelyn, Ashley, Tanner (Dillon MT.) Natalia and Jodie. Franklin is also survived by numerous family and extended family and friends throughout the world. Other than his love of local and college sports, he always requested homemade Lefse and Rommegrot whenever the family gathered ( including pot luck suppers at his Lutheran Church or meetings for the Sons of Norway). Don wants to be remembered how he was before his illness. We celebrate him warmly with a life well lived. We love you Papa Westad... Funeral services are scheduled on Friday, June 12th at 3 PM at Our Saviors Lutheran Church with military honors following at Mountain View Cemetery.  A potluck reception will follow committal services at the church.