The Greatest Man I Know: My Dad

Dan Wiltshire Westwood, 58, passed away after fighting a courageous battle against cancer Feb. 20, 2008.He and twin sister Dana - deceased - were born to George and Jane Westwood July 6, 1949. He graduated from Piute High School in 1967, and attended Southern Utah University where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education.He married the love of his life, Terecea Dalton, in the St. George LDS Temple July 14, 1972. He had two daughters, Nicole and Danielle, who were the prizes of his life.He taught school for 30 years touching the lives of hundreds and was Circleville Elementary's Principal for 19 years. He loved to teach and loved working with students.Dan had a passion for hunting. He, or his girls, always had a hunting tag and were known to frequent the mountains. Dan was a great Dutch oven cooker and made the best potatoes. Fishing was also a favorite pastime and he could be seen on the Otter Creek or Piute Reservoir looking for that big fish.
He also loved his grandson, Tyson Vaughn Jackson, more than anything, and spent time teaching him how to read and ride in his yellow dump truck.He is survived by his wife, Terecea Dalton Westwood; daughters, Nicole and Vaughn Derise Jackson Jr.; Danielle and Jesse Eric Leavitt; grandson, Tyson Vaughn Jackson; brothers and sisters, Roger (Beverly) Westwood; Dahl (DyAnn) Westwood; John (Ellen) Westwood; Marsha (Richard) Henrie; and Mary Ann (Kevin) Glazier.Funeral services were held Feb. 25, in the Circleville LDS 1st ward chapel, with Bishop Lon Dalton presiding and Michael Dalton presiding. Compassionate services were provided by the Circleville LDS 1st ward Relief Society.A family prayer was offered by Roger Westwood (brother), and the invocation was given by Vaughn Jackson (son-in-law).Prelude and postlude music was performed by Brenda Robinson.Musical selections included “Cool Water” by Kim Dalton (brother-in-law); and “Be Still, My Soul” by daughters, Nicole Jackson and Danielle Leavitt, and both accompanied by Charleen Dalton (mother-in-law).Tributes were given by Nicole and Danielle, and Shaun Westwood (nephew). Speakers included John Westwood (brother), and remarks were offered by Lon Dalton.The Benediction was given by Jesse Leavitt (son-in-law).Serving as pallbearers were grandson, Tyson Jackson; sons-in-law, Vaughn Jackson, Jesse Leavitt; brothers, Roger Westwood, Dahl Westwood, John Westwood; brothers-in-law, Clayton Dalton, Kim Dalton, Richard Henrie, Kevin Glazier; and father-in-law, Nordel Dalton.Honorary pallbearers were Cordell Pearson, Ken Sponaugle, Richard Richardson, Jack Wood, Phil Adams, Charlie Brindley, Jack Tighe and Gene Smith.Interment was in the Circleville Cemetery, and the dedicatory prayer was given by Clayton Dalton (brother-in-law).Funeral directors, Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.

My dad fought cancer for 3 years and he lived each day to the fullest. I miss him terribly, but I know he is in a better place where he is whole and well. Times are hard right now but, again, I know we will all make it through them. I think the hardest part of this is being home and not having him around to talk to or to tease. It will also be hard to call home and not be able to talk to him. He was my best friend and the person to whom I went to when I needed advice. I miss you daddy!!!