Monty S. Westford

Monty S. Westford passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, surrounded by family. He was born on December 1, 1942 to Verna and Irving Wood, later adopted by John Westford following his father’s passing. Monty was joined by three little sisters, Sandra Kildall, Linda Berg and Lorna Heay. He grew up a farm boy milking cows and haying fields. Monty was a proud Custer Cougar before enrolling in Ferndale High School.

He met and married his “California Girl” wife of 57 years, Bonnie Petett, on December 3, 1966. They became the proud parents of daughter, Shanon Westford Hardie, and son, Bo Westford. Probably Monty’s biggest joy in life was being the “Papa” to grandchildren, Drew and Brett Westford.

Monty worked for Georgia Pacific for 39 years before retiring at age 57. He made Whatcom County his lifetime home and loved his Ferndale community, volunteering at the local food bank, at the Old Settlers ribbon registration booth, and supporting boys and girls athletics from the stands until the very end.

Monty, better known as “Wes”, to those closest to him, was always active and lived life to the fullest. Whether it was school days high jinks, pranks on his co-workers, dancing at Knotty Pine, happy hours at Bob’s, bowling, golfing, playing fastpitch and slo-pitch, basketball, coaching, umpiring, camping, or hanging out with his beloved “Lunch Bunch”, he made close and lifelong friendships.

Monty’s legacy is all the people he touched. He is survived by: wife, Bonnie Petett Westford; daughter, Shanon Westford Hardie; son, Bo (Nicole) Westford; grandchildren, Drew and Brett Westford, Jordan and Tyler Miles; sisters, Sandra (Mike) Kildall, Linda (Gary) Berg, and Lorna Heay; and numerous special nieces, nephews and cousins. Monty is preceded in death by: mom, Verna Krenz Westford; fathers, Irving Wood and John Westford; son-in-law, Scott Hardie; nephews, Troy Pritchett, Darcy Kildall, and Travis Berg; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

A Celebration of Life will occur at a later date.