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
Gerald & Brenda Smith
Dan Fitzgerald
We joined HMCS Venture together in September 1966. He was the youngest in our class and not very talkative. John was hard to get to know, but the stress and bullshit of basic officer training brought us all together to form lifelong bonds. He was always in trouble for being untidy and was given the nickname of ‘mudpie’. However, only his venture mates dare call him that.
We sailed together as ‘subs’ on HMCS Chaudiere. He was the best man at my wedding. After Chaudiere our careers drifted apart .. John east coast and me west coast. Neither of us were very good at keeping in touch. Fortunately, we had classmates who could keep each other upto date on our career achievements. I know that for both John and I our greatest achievement in the navy was having command of an HMC Ship.
Farewell old friend … smooth seas for you and Meredith.
Cdr (Ret'd) Mark White, Canadian Naval Memorial Trust
On behalf of the Canadian Naval Memorial Trust, please accept our heartfelt condolences at this time of sadness. Cdr John Westlake was a staunch supporter of HMCS SACKVILLE for many years, and he shall be sorely missed. His leadership, professionalism, and steady hand were most definitely some of the hallmarks for which he will be fondly remembered. May the special memories of his proud and decorated legacy grant you some peace and comfort in the days to come. Farewell, shipmate.
David Coffey
We sailed together in HMCS Margaree. His gruff voice and deep laugh made me pay attention to an officer who cared, mentored and played with the wardroom. I seem to remember his fondness for cigars, but maybe that's just old memory. Rest in peace.
Al Malcomson
I remember John as a sub lieutenant on HMCS Mackenzie 1968-69. He was the divisional officer for the junior ranks sonarmen and weapons underwater sections men. He was known as a square shooter and was respected by all us seamen. Some of the sub lieutenant’s he served with included S/lt. Beaudry, S/lt. Hendel, and S/lt Montgomery. The skipper was Commader Cavannagh and Lcdr. Draper was the XO. It was a great ships company and there are good memories of our trip to Central America and Panama. One of John’s trade marks was his fine beard which gave him the look of a fine Norseman. Fondly remembered by all of us who served under him. Al Malcomson RCMP retired
Ray McInnis
Our thoughts and prayers are with John’s family a this difficult time. Lest We Forget
Michael Cooper
Fair winds and a following sea as you cross the bar. RIP John
Janine Smiter
Having come from a family, growing up in southern England - surrounded by the turbulent Ocean of the Atlantic, the treacherous tides of the English Channel and the nurturing Solent which connects them - one has considerable respect for all those dedicated sailors, such as Cmdr CD RCN (Ret) John Westlake, who served across the seas of the world. Although not personally known to me, I have come to be aware of John Westlake's wide achievements, his leadership of Service, through my close friends Stephen (John's Brother-in-law) and Stephen's wife Christine. My sympathies to all the family.
by the turbulent Oceans
Stew Thomson
I served in the RCN on the east coast with John and while I didn't work closely with him, I knew John to be an excellent, well respected Naval Officer. Later, Bev and I were next door neighbours in Orleans to Scott, Marisa, Aidan, Owen and Keira. Our condolences go out to them and the rest of John's family at this sad time. Our thoughts are with you.
Stew and Bev Thomson
Bob & Christine Tennant.
We offer our sincere condolences to Scott ,Craig and all John’s family and friends at this sad time.
We became great friends with both John and Meredith initially when they lived in Northwood, England and after on our many trips to Canada and our holidays with them.
John provided great friendship , assistance & support when we ran the 6th Northwood Cub Scout pack, and proved invaluable at the annual cub camps. He provided an excellent example to the young cub scouts and they always paid attention whenever he spoke.
John could show a somewhat gruff exterior and be a man of few words on occasion but underneath that facade was a true friend who would always help if asked and we miss him greatly even from this distance. RIP John..
Bob & Chris.
We are sending out love & Hug to all the Westlake family's.
May your Wings fly high God bless you all Gerald & & Brenda Smith