Raymond Westbrook

Westbrook, Raymond "Gary" 2/21/48 – 4/14/21 Passed away peacefully at Rose Arbor Hospice on 4/14/2021. Gary was born on February 21, 1948 in Kalamazoo, MI and was the fifth child of eight children born to Raymond & Genevieve Westbrook. Gary was drafted into the U.S. Army on January 5, 1968 and was deployed to Viet Nam during that war. He was honorably discharged on December 18, 1969. On June 14, 1969, he was united in marriage to Vickilynn Cummins. On December 27, 1977, they opened their hearts and home to officially adopt two biological sisters; Charlotte Ann and Laura Mae. Gary and Vicki owned and operated Michigan Barricading West, Inc. for many years. After retirement, Gary worked as a school crossing guard for the City of Kalamazoo. He was quite fond of the school children and very protective of their safety while crossing his intersection. He also enjoyed his interactions with the kids' parents every day. Gary was an animal lover as well. Gary was predeceased by his parents, his wife's parents and her siblings. His wife, Vicki, passed away on April 7, 2008. Gary is survived by his daughters; Charlotte (Christopher) Gonzalez and Laura Westbrook; his grandsons, Merlyn and Phillip Shattuck and Joseph Gonzalez. He is also survived by his siblings; Joyce (Victor) Beauchamp, Richland, MI; John "Dale" (Cheryl) Westbrook, Kalamazoo, MI; Sharon Hoke, Galesburg, MI; Darrell (Robin) Westbrook, Joan Gramkow and Jean (Bud Burgess) Wyatt all of Sanford, FL; and Shelley (Kevin) Foster of Geneva, FL. He was blessed with many loving nieces and nephews. Due to current Covid restrictions, there will be no family visitation or funeral service. A private graveside committal will be held at a later date. Per Gary's wishes, cremation has taken place and his cremains will be inurned beside his wife at Riverside Cemetery. The family suggests memorial donations to Kalamazoo Humane Society, 2272 River Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49048.