Albert J. Westrum

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Albert J. Westrum, 90, a resident at the Hill at Whitemarsh in Lafayette Hill, PA passed away peacefully on August 10, 2013 at his home surrounded by his family. He was the loving husband of Thelma “Sue” (Hoehl) Westrum celebrating 64 years of marriage together. Sue was the love of his life, and Al exemplified this by his devotion to her. A prominent Montgomery Country homebuilder for over 40 years, he started his career building 3 houses in Lafayette Hill. Through out his career he built approximately 2000 houses in PA and NJ. An industry visionary, he won several awards, including the Montgomery County Land Planning award for his townhouse community “Willowmere” in Ambler, PA. A WW II veteran, Al enlisted in the US Army in 1942 spending 2 years in LeHarve, France as an officer in the Quartermaster Corps. His responsibilities included issuing rations to troops for immediate consumption and to the forward operational depots. He supervised work of 50 enlisted men and 2001 prisoners of war. His French acquaintances became life long friends. After the war, he attended Temple University graduating with a degree in Business Administration. Al was President of the Lion’s Club of Springfield, manager of a little league team and a Sunday school teacher at the 1st Presbyterian Church of Springfield, where he was an active member for more than 55 years. He had a genuine personality that radiated to all. An insatiable appetite to learn and be knowledgeable of interests, he longed to conquer the ins and outs of his MacBook computer. Al and Sue remained active members at Cedarbrook Country Club for 50 years. In 1975 they started vacationing in Pocono Manor, PA purchasing an original 1906 Arts and Crafts house, named “Keewaydin.” “Keewaydin” inspired Al to study the Arts and Crafts time period. He and Sue attended the inaugural Grove Park Inn Arts & Crafts Conference in Ashville, NC in 1986 and they attended every consecutive year until it became too difficult to travel. “Keewaydin” also fulfilled Al’s love for gardening. Children and grandchildren shared wonderful family gatherings together with them on “Keewaydin’s” porch. Al and Sue had a passion for traveling to exotic places, with some of his favorites being: Antarctica, the North West Passage, Galapagos, and the Serengeti. He was fortunate to visit all 7 continents. Enjoying both buying and selling, Al collected Bucks County Impressionist art and period American antique furniture. He often frequented local auctions. He liked card games and in his later years he got great joy winning a nickel game of poker with his friends. He is survived by his children: Christine W. Porter (Ron), Wendy W. Weber and John A. Westrum and 5 grand children: Thomas F. Weber, Christopher H. Weber, Tyler J. Westrum, Katherine H. Westrum and Margaret H. Westrum. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: the American Cancer Society, 1626 Locust St., Philadelphia, PA 19103, or the 1st Presbyterian Church of Springfield. A family greeting time (10:30am) and the memorial service (11:30am) will be held on August 24th at the 1st Presbyterian Church of Springfield, 1710 Bethlehem Pike, Flourtown, PA 19031.

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