Mort Westcott

Mort O. of Haines City, Florida (formerly Gobles, Michigan) passed away on January 4, 2022, two weeks short of his 90th birthday. Mort was the beloved husband of Luella Westcott for just over 71 years. He was the loving father of daughters Lorraine (Dr. Robert) Slaby, Louise Westcott (James Hewitt), Linda (Jeffrey) Bernstein, and Lisa (Randal) Erickson; and proud grandfather of Daniel (Rachel) Slaby, Alana (Michael) Pytlowany, Jennifer (Thomas) Infuso, Brian Bernstein, and Jacklyn Dryer. He was predeceased by his parents Morton and Anna Westcott, and his brothers Robert, John, George and Earl. Mort began his work life as a master welder at Ingersoll-Rand (A skill that later made him very popular with local farmers having broken machinery), while also serving in the Army National Guard. He then earned his Insurance License and worked for Farm Bureau Insurance until he opened the Westcott Insurance Agency in Gobles. He also took great pride in the farm homesteads that he owned and operated - in addition to his "day job" - growing crops and raising beef cattle in each case. Mort was an avid outdoorsman and sportsman, enjoying hunting and fishing, as well as golfing and bowling. He served as Pine Grove Township Clerk for a number of years, Van Buren County Commissioner for many years, worked with the local Council on Aging, and was an active member of the Elks Clubs in both Paw Paw and Otsego, serving twice as Exalted Ruler. He will be missed. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held in the spring