Richard James Westwood

Dick Westwood

Circleville, Utah

Richard "Dick" James Westwood, 93, formally of Circleville, Utah, passed away on September 18, 2018 at the Southern Utah Veteran’s Home in Ivins Utah surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He was born August 16, 1925 in Circleville to John Richard and Mary Crowe Westwood.

Richard lived a very happy and full life. He proudly served his country in the 475th Infantry Regiment CBI (China Burma India) Theater from 1944 to 1946. While there, he was in charge of building a cemetery along the Burma Ledo road for the soldiers killed in action. He carved his regiment number into a banner that he made of wood and placed it at the cemetery to honor his fallen brothers. He drove a supply truck along the Burma Ledo road delivering ammo and much needed relief supplies to the troops. He also served as part of the Merrill’s Marauders and in honor of that service he named his first born son Merrill. Dad was a true patriot and passed his love of this country onto his children and grandchildren.

Upon returning home from the war he married the love of his life Arla Dalton, December 10, 1946 in the Manti Temple, and together they had 7 children. Arla preceded him in death May 8, 2017.

Richard was very active in his community. He played a key role in designing and building the Circleville Veteran’s Monument to honor the men and women who have served in the military from that area. He proudly marched in the 4th of July parades each year. He was the post commander for the VFW/American Legions, served on the city council, and was the town marshal. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and he, along with his wife, served a mission in North Dakota. He was also an ordinance worker in the St. George Temple. He drove the school bus in Piute County for many years and loved the children that he worked with.

He is survived by his children: Merrill (Renee) Westwood, Marjene (Charles) Lang, Arlene (Larry) Prina, Colleen (William) Felton, Cheryl (Steven) Whittaker, Glade (SueAnn) Westwood, Sonja (Kim) Christensen; 24 grandchildren, 65 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great granddaughter; sister-in-law, Norma Westwood.

Richard is also preceded in death by his parents; and siblings: Erma Westwood, Kenneth John Westwood, Cora Matilda Howes, Zelda May Norton, Zoe Davis, Ray Jones Westwood, George Jay Westwood.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday September 25, 2018 at 1:00 pm at the Circleville 1st Ward. Friends may call Monday from 6-8 p.m. at the Circleville Community Center and Tuesday, prior to the services from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the ward chapel. Burial will be in the Circleville Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our fabulous friends at the Southern Utah Veteran’s Home. You made Dad’s time there happy and memorable and you treated him as if he were a member of your own family. Thank you!

Richard leaves behind a great legacy. He was loved by everyone who knew him. He lived and died as our hero.