Obituary of Wilbur Arnold Westby

In the early hours of Monday morning, Wilbur Arnold Westby was quietly summoned home, following a noble battle with cancer. "Wib", as he was known by all who cared for him, leaves a loving family, successful career, and many wonderful friends behind as his legacy. Born May 15, 1932 in Rose Valley, Saskatchewan, Wib was educated at Fosston Rural and Rose Valley schools. He left school early in life, to assist his widowed mother in supporting their family. Wilbur was a man with outstanding work ethic, and eventually became a parts man at Forlund's Garage, the local IHC Dealer in Rose Valley. He stayed with IHC, moving to Yorkton where another opportunity would change his life forever. Wib was the first employee hired at CKOS-TV, an affiliate of the CBC. It was a brand new station, in the brand new industry of television broadcasting. He began as a cameraman in 1958, and retired 35 years later as the General Manager, having earned the respect of colleagues far and wide. Wilbur Westby was one of Canada's true broadcasting pioneers. During those years, he found time to marry his childhood sweetheart Lorna Forslund, and raise two children. Wib had many passions in life. He was a competitive hockey player, golfer and curler. He was active in the Boy Scouts of Canada, donated his time to many causes, and like all Westby's, was an avid Rider fan! His wonderful singing voice harmonized in groups from barbershop to church choir. Family holidays, building the cottage at Good Spirit, part-time farming with Pepplers, opening Spiritwood Village Store, and participating in the lives of his grandchildren were just a few things that were important to Wib! Left behind to celebrate his life are his wife of 52 years Lorna (nee Forslund), son Marc (Sandra) of Medicine Hat, daughter Ingrid Kerr (Russ) of Regina, grandchildren Kristen, Jennifer, Jordan and Joel, brothers Kenneth of Phoenix AZ, and Morris of Good Spirit Lake SK, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Dale and Rose Forslund of Creston BC, nephew Cameron (Brenda) Landry, niece Lanette (John) Craig, nephew Eric (Nikki) Westby, nephew Kirk (Gwen) Westby, nephew Christopher (Sherry) Westby, and a large extended family and friends everywhere! Wilbur was predeceased by his parents Melvin and Signe, by his sister Edith, and by an infant brother. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, June 10, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. in New Hope Lutheran Church, 370 McIntosh Street North, Regina. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the charity of your choice in Wib's honor would be most appreciated.