Frank Victor Westerlund, a cherished husband, father, and educator passed away peacefully at his home in Bellevue, Washington, on December 8, 2024. Born on October 19, 1945, in Dayton, Ohio, Frank was the only child of Wendell and Agnes Westerlund. His early years were spent in Dayton and Cincinnati before his family relocated to California's Bay Area following his father's work with Lockheed Martin.
Frank attended high school in Palo Alto and graduated from Stanford University in 1967 with a degree in architecture. He then moved to Seattle to pursue graduate studies at the University of Washington, where he earned a PhD in urban planning. Frank dedicated 36 years to academia at the University of Washington's College of Built Environments, serving as an associate professor and at a time as department chair until his retirement in 2010.
A man of diverse interests, Frank was captivated by the intersection of history and natural world. At 22, he embarked on a transformative journey with his high school friend down the Yukon River in Alaska, which sparked a lifelong passion for the state's natural beauty and instilled the importance of environmental conservation in him. The trip was a catalyst for a lifelong love affair with Alaska as well as deep commitment to efforts for its conservation. As a professor he would take students to Alaska for class projects.
Frank was an avid amateur astronomer, a passion ignited by a childhood gift from his uncle. He built his own telescope and traveled extensively to indulge in stargazing. A voracious reader and collector of books on all subjects of history and science, Frank's love of travel took him across the globe.
He was a loving husband, a caring father and a dedicated educator who supported and inspired countless students. He was passionate about environmental conservation and contributed to many environmental causes. He was beloved by many, and will be greatly missed. He leaves behind his wife of 38 years, Fereshteh Dehkordi-Westerlund, and his son Cyrus Westerlund.
In lieu of a service, a celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Donations in his memory can be made to the Parkinson's Foundation at www.parkinson.org.