Aug. 20, 1933 - Feb. 15, 2013

EAU CLAIRE, Mich. - Howard "Buck" Westlake, 79, of Eau Claire, passed away Friday, Feb. 15, 2013, in his home.

Friends may visit from 10 a.m. to noon Monday, Feb. 18, 2013, at Heritage Chapel, 8747 U.S. 31, Berrien Springs. A celebration of life service will be at noon Monday, Feb. 18, 2013, at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Hospice at Home. Those wishing to share a memory of Howard online may do so at www.heritage-chapel.com.

Howard was born Aug. 20, 1933, in Elkhart, Ind., to Howard Dale and Clara (Richie) Westlake.

On Jan. 24, 1953, he married Sally VanTilburg in Elkhart.

He was a self-employed carpet installer. Howard was a member of the Masons. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing and hunting. Most of all he loved spending time with his family and friends, always joking and pulling pranks with everyone.

Howard is survived by his wife, Sally Westlake; sons Mike (Lori) Westlake and Barry (Carla) Westlake; daughter Pam (Pat) Ferguson; six grandchildren, Blake Westlake, Logan Westlake, Kelly (Kelson) Brown, Loran (Jeff) Oisten, Dan Kasun and Joe Kasun; step-grandchildren Tawnya Vida and Carissa Foster; great-grandchildren Addison Joa Oisten, Kelson Brown Jr. and Riley Joseph Kasun-Kiser; brothers and sisters Joy (Brian) Mapes, Joyce (Perry) Tubbs, John (Betty) Westlake, David (Sharon) Westlake, Tom (Sherry) Westlake, William (Janice) Westlake and Sue (Hal) Locke; and his beloved dog, Peanut.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, brother Harvey Westlake and sister Juanita Myrick.

Betty Dickey, Niles, MI My dear Sis and family, Buck was a kidder and joker but he finally got serious and introduced me to the perfect man for me!! Gotta love his spirit. Bless you all. Remember all the precious times he gave you. Aunt Betty

Vicki Wheelock, Edwardsburg, MI Aunt Sally, I am sorry about Uncle Buck's passing, but the good Lord takes us when he deems it necessary. Prayers and faith going out to you and your family. Hopefully I can get mom up there for the viewing, we'll just have to see how she is doing tomorrow! Love to all of you, Vicki

Patricia Fisher, Tampa, FL Sally and family, I was sorry to learn of Buck's passing. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Although it is a sad time, you will always have the memories of the good times you shared over the years. Patricia

Phyllis Jackson, Byron Center, MI Dear Sally, I am so sorry to hear of Buck's passing. I did not know that he was so ill. Please know that I am thinking of you at this sad time. Take care and hold tight to your wonderful memories. Love & God Bless, Phyllis

Brenda Myrick Halsey, Sebring, FL You know how sorry I am about Uncle Buck passing. Prayers are going your way. Love you all, Brenda

Judy Lynn Taylor Finchum, Manchester , TN I am very sorry to hear of the loss of Mr Westlake I am Barney Taylors(owner of Taylors Service in Elkhart) oldest daughter and Clara Ritchie Westlake was my daddys aunt being the son of Lily Ritchie Taylor .... always a sorrow when a family member passes ....