Stephen Walter Westbrook
November 5, 1946 ~ February 9, 2018
Steve Westbrook, age 71, of Fairfax, Va. passed away peacefully Friday, February 9th, 2018, at Inova Fairfax Hospital, surrounded by his family after a long battle with numerous illnesses.
Steve was born in Gainesville, Ga, the son of the late Charles Westbrook and Mildred Westbrook Wigley and stepfather, Frank Wigley. He grew up in Marietta, Ga., graduated college from Georgia Tech and received his master’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado.
He is survived by his daughter, Michelle Westbrook and son, Michael (Angela), Leesburg VA; his sister, Shirley Barker (Ronald), Tocca, Ga; grandchildren Grant, Mitchell and Eleanor Westbrook; his former spouse Teri (Cricket) Westbrook (John) and close friends Will and Debbie Stormer. He is preceded in death by his brother Robert Westbrook, (Francis) Marietta, Ga.
Steve was drafted into the Army and served in Viet Nam. His love of military service prompted him to a very successful and distinguished military career moving from enlisted to the officer ranks. After serving the US Army for 30 years, he continued to work for the Dept of Defense for an additional fifteen years until his retirement from Federal Service.
In retirement he was an avid fisherman, voracious reader and participator in family events. Steve loved his GA Tech Yellow Jackets and JMU football along with his vast collection of movies.
Funeral services will be held at the Old Post Chapel at Ft Myer Joint Base on Wednesday, August 8 at 9:00 am. Burial will immediately follow at Arlington National Cemetery. Following the burial, all are invited to a reception being held at the Officer's Club/Patton Hall.
Steve was born in Gainesville, Ga, the son of the late Charles Westbrook and Mildred Westbrook Wigley and stepfather, Frank Wigley. He grew up in Marietta, Ga., graduated college from Georgia Tech and received his master’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado.
He is survived by his daughter, Michelle Westbrook and son, Michael (Angela), Leesburg VA; his sister, Shirley Barker (Ronald), Tocca, Ga; grandchildren Grant, Mitchell and Eleanor Westbrook; his former spouse Teri (Cricket) Westbrook (John) and close friends Will and Debbie Stormer. He is preceded in death by his brother Robert Westbrook, (Francis) Marietta, Ga.
Steve was drafted into the Army and served in Viet Nam. His love of military service prompted him to a very successful and distinguished military career moving from enlisted to the officer ranks. After serving the US Army for 30 years, he continued to work for the Dept of Defense for an additional fifteen years until his retirement from Federal Service.
In retirement he was an avid fisherman, voracious reader and participator in family events. Steve loved his GA Tech Yellow Jackets and JMU football along with his vast collection of movies.
Funeral services will be held at the Old Post Chapel at Ft Myer Joint Base on Wednesday, August 8 at 9:00 am. Burial will immediately follow at Arlington National Cemetery. Following the burial, all are invited to a reception being held at the Officer's Club/Patton Hall.
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I am so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. He was a wonderful boss and friend to all of us at the Per Diem Committee. He kept us laughing and made coming to work every day a great experience. He was kind, thoughtful and compassionate to all of us…every single day. On top of all that he was BRILLIANT. When he retired he took knowledge and experience of finance and travel and transportation that can never be replaced. The only thing he was better at than his job was drinking coffee! I had coffee with him every day for years and was always amazed at how strong he could drink his coffee…..years of Army experience!! We miss you Steve! You were very loved!!
My husband and I would like to come to Steve’s funeral. If someone could let us know when he’s being buried at Arlington we will be there.
Lynn and Mike Wawrzyniak
lynn.wawrzyniak@yahoo.com
I’ve known Steve Westbrook since 1981 when we met as members of a panel helping to keep travel regulations current for the Services. He represented the Army, while I had the Navy. Often, we were the ‘loyal opposition’ to each other – and I do mean loyal. He had an WONDERFUL sense of humor (the Marines might take issue with that) but he did keep the lid on the pot when it could otherwise have been blown off. I again ran into him as part of a team in 1994 and ended up working for him until his retirement. He was a excellent boss and a fine officer and civilian employer. Like many who are retired military, he never lost the zest for work and helping those on active duty! Last time I saw him was several years ago as we crossed paths at a military medical facility. He had retained his sense of humor even while he was sick. He was a fine man and I am honored to have worked with and for him. I will miss him and his humor.
I met the late Mr. Stephen (Steve) Walter Westbrook in 2000 attending my first PDTATAC Military Advisory Panel meeting representing the Coast Guard. The staff and DOD Agencies/ Uniformed Services’ representatives were consistently impressed by his fiscal, pay, travel and transportation allowances knowledge and equally, experiences to backup his actions. Further, he could tell you where to find the information, word for word.
Forever a southern gentlemen, he could respectfully disagree with you on a topic and provide a ‘moon pie’ or ‘M&M” jar to lighten the moment at the same time. Perhaps share a South Korea tour ‘sea story’ of a humorous event with you in between breaks.
Col Westbrook (USA, Retired) will be missed by all who knew him but always be remembered for advocating the travelers’ rights and a sharing heart to appreciate everyone for who they were.
In closing, he lived the “Soldier’s Creed”, https://www.ausa.org/soldiers-creed. Rest in peace.
Henry Mitchell (Mitch)
Master Chief Petty Officer (USCG, Retired).
Per Diem, Travel and Transportation Allowance Committee (PDTATAC) Staff
It is so sad to hear of the loss of Steve. I was fortunate to have worked for Steve at the Per Diem Committee for over 12 years – first when he was an active duty Army Colonel and then a civilian employee. He made work fun with his sense of humor. He was so smart – like a walking encyclopedia. We were so lucky to have him share his knowledge. He always made each one of us feel special. He is the special one and I will miss him.
So sorry to hear about Steve’s passing. I remember working with him on the Per Diem Committee. He was smart and a good guy. He will be missed.
So sorry to hear of Steve’s passing, i worked with him on the Per Diem Committe. I enjoyed his humor, wisdom and guidance. He will be missed. Our prayers are with you all.
So sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. I interfaced with him while he was Director of the Per Diem Committee. So many people have commented on his superior humor, wit, intelligence, and superb leadership style. It is all ABSOLUTELY true. He made all of our jobs easier and will be missed.
Steve was truly outstanding Army officer. He was always willing to take on whatever required missions to be done whether self initiated or directed by higher authority. He did it with zest and professionalism. He was always a pleasure and fun to be around. An outstanding Finance Corps officer. My condolence to his family and friends.
MG(R) Bob Gordon
I used to hang around Steve when we were both young and in the army. In fact, I usually looked him up when I was in the DC area. He was a fun guy and he was one really fine Officer! We will all miss him.