Udell Westover

"I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul."

--Invictus, William Ernest Henley

Surrounded by his children, our dad, grandpa, and grandpa-great stayed true to his plan and peacefully passed shortly after his 85th birthday; we will always hold a special place in our hearts for the wonderful privilege of having him part of our lives. For those who knew Udell as Coach, Udy, Junior, or Heber, we know each of you will find that same special place to remember him as a brother, friend, mentor, and true scholar-athlete. Udell Fowles Westover was born April 1, 1930, in Ferron Utah to recently widowed Daphne Cook Fowles. While Dad never knew his biological father, Udell Fowles, his mother remarried when Udell was very small and gave him the gift of Eldon G. Westover, a father who supported and mentored him throughout his life. Our dad was a natural athlete who excelled in high school football, basketball, and track, and also received recognition as a college football player for Brigham Young University. More importantly, he understood the real lessons that participating in sports taught and used those lessons to excel in the classroom, graduating from BYU with an undergraduate degree in 1953 and a Masters of Educational Administration degree in 1967. He served proudly in the US Army Reserve from 1951-1954. Dad married the love of his life, LaRue McCandless, on July 27, 1951. She was his greatest fan and cheerleader, taking great pride in every athletic, coaching, and professional award he received. In return, he was her cherished companion and partner, who became a tender and loving caregiver until her passing in 2013. Our dad taught us about love and commitment in marriage and the importance of humility, tolerance, and service; he was proud of his family and the first to congratulate children and grandchildren on accomplishments. We were proud to be part of our dad's distinguished professional career. He loved teaching and coaching at North Sanpete, Lincoln, and Orem high schools, helping young men realize both athletic and scholastic potential, and strove to be an example of servant leadership to those around him. When he retired from coaching and the classroom in 1969, he moved into the role of administrator for Alpine School District until his retirement in 1988, bringing those same leadership qualities to every aspect of his work. As part of his professional career, Dad believed in providing opportunity for next-generation scholar athletes, and was an active board member of the Utah Sports Hall of Fame, shaping the foundation and framework for Utah high school athletics. Udell was preceded in death by his fathers, Udell Fowles and Eldon G. Westover; mother, Daphne Cook Fowles Westover, wife LaRue McCandless, and his infant sister and brother. He is survived by his children; Karen (Ray) Gunn; Scot (Susan) Westover; Cheryl (Bruce) Jacobson; two brothers, Jack (Elaine) Westover; Keith (Merlene) Westover; eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildern. Our family will honor the memory of Udell with a viewing reception at Olpin Sundberg Mortuary in Orem, Utah, Sunday, May 31st, 6-8 pm. We will honor his wishes for graveside internment on Tues., June 2nd, 11:00 am at the American Fork Cemetery. We extend our sincere appreciation to all who have reached out to share condolences; we extend our heartfelt thanks to Ashford Memory Care Center, Rocky Mountain Hospice, Care to Stay Home and our angel, Alejandra, who provided loving and compassionate care for our Dad as his health declined. In lieu of flowers, we hope you would enjoy a great round of golf, plant a garden of red geraniums and blue delphiniums, donate to a favorite charity, or help a young person find his or her way in the world.

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