It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of John Alfred Westlake, who died peacefully on September 4, 2025, at the age of 77.
John was born on October 8, 1947, in Belleville and grew up on the family farm in Carrying Place, Ontario. He was predeceased by his parents, Marie (née Millman) and Ernie Westlake, who instilled in him a strong sense of duty and service.
Answering the same call to serve that inspired his father, John joined the Royal Canadian Navy immediately after high school. He went on to enjoy a commendable 37-year career, serving in posts around the world. His leadership, professionalism, and steady hand earned him the respect of all who served with him. He retired with honour at the rank of Commander, leaving behind a proud and decorated legacy.
In retirement, John shared many wonderful years with his beloved wife Meredith, who sadly passed away in 2017. Together, they travelled extensively, spent cherished time with friends, and remained deeply involved in the lives of their sons and grandchildren.
John is lovingly remembered by his sons, Scott (Marisa) and Craig (Nicole), and will be deeply missed by his grandchildren: Emma, Keira, Charlotte, Aidan, and Owen. He is also survived by his younger brothers, Stephen (Jana) and Dennis (Vicki), his brother-in-law Stephen (Christine), and many extended family members.
John was blessed with the enduring friendship and support of many dear companions from his Navy career and from his years living in Dartmouth, Northwood (England), Ottawa, and beyond. In retirement, he found great joy on the golf course and treasured his time with friends at Hylands Golf Club, where camaraderie and laughter were always close at hand.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate team at The Promenade Residence, where John received wonderful care in recent years, and to the dedicated staff at The Montfort Hospital, who looked after him with dignity and kindness in his final days.
John will be laid to rest beside his beloved Meredith at Beechwood Military Cemetery, a place of honour befitting a life defined by service, loyalty, and love.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to a veterans organization or a charity of your choice in John's memory.
He will be remembered always—with pride, with affection, and with profound gratitude.
Digital Guestbook
Stephen Knowles
George Kolisnek
John and I were HMCS Venture class mates who joined in 66. During the first phase of our training I really didn’t get to know John as in the Navy’s thinking which then was centuries old we were in separate divisions due the first letters in our last names being widely separated alphabetically. However we became mess mates during our cadet cruise in HMCS Beacon Hill from Jan to Apr 67 during which I first learned that he was not one to strike up a casual conversation but always turned up when a hand was needed. I crossed paths with John many more times over the next 60 years and he always was true to form up until and after his retirement. Joan and I wish him and Meredith Fair Winds and Following Seas wherever they are sailing.
Nick Jewitt and family
Sorry for your loss and much love sent to the whole family.
From, Nick, Alex and the kids
Chris Dunn LCDR Ret’d
John and I were cabin mates in Athabaskan (Jan 1986 to Jul 1987) me being the Ship’s Weapons Officer and John being the Squadron Weapons Officer. Sadly we fell out of touch after Athabaskan. Rest in peace shipmate.
Kevin Laing
Deepest condolences to the family. I didn’t sail with John, but I remember many occurrences where our paths crossed in Halifax…most likely for weapons’ tactical discussions at Weepers in Stad Wardroom! Fair Winds John! “So as we part, I drink to you, the Happy Band of We the Few!” Yours Aye, Kevin
I first met John in the fall of 1967, through my sister Meredith of course. He was still living on board HMCS ASSINIBOINE. With nowhere to go on a weekend in harbour, he frequently dropped into the one-bedroom apartment I shared with fellow Dalhousie student, the late ex LSRM John Dunn. That my future brother-in-law frequently brought a bottle of wardroom rum made him even more welcome. On several occasions he made spaghetti, a skill learned as a scout in northern Ontario. Our tiny apartment across from the Oxford Theatre was the venue for student parties to which John and Meredith and some of his Venture mates were invited or invited themselves. They, shall I say, brought a bit of saltiness to the proceedings, much to the fascination of the female students.
John was commissioned before he turned 20, a situation unimaginable today. He learned his trade, accepted the challenges and thrived on responsibility. His style was unique but his leadership was solid. His humour might have been wire brush but his concern was genuine. There were no wasted words with John, although perhaps surprisingly, he could be scathingly funny. John's sea time culminated in the spring of 1995 when Canada was indeed fortunate to have had him commanding HMCS GATINEAU, bringing a steady hand on the Grand Bank during the Turbot War.
His visits to my family in Richibucto NB in the late 70's when Scott and Craig got to know their cousin for the first time and later in the NCR when there were 2 more cousins to get to know were indeed a rich time in the lives of our families. Enjoying the beach in Kouchibouguac National Park and jumping off the rock into Lake la Pêche in Gatineau Park are all treasured memories. Now he joins my sister Meredith. Fair winds and much love to them both on their last cruise together.