To the Family of Les Westrum

Memories of Les, from people at the Virginia Merrill Bloedel Hearing Research Center:

Valerie Street (Faculty)

I had the pleasure of interacting with Les while working at the Bloedel Hearing Research Center and while attending the Husky football games.  Les always had a warm-smile and a kind word.  I underwent several years of foot surgery and whenever Les would see me on crutches he would hurry to open the door and to ask how I was doing.  If I had a question about the auditory system, Les was always willing to sit down and chat and draw me a picture.  He seemed so excited about his work and so eager to impart encouragement to others in his life.  I will miss Les.

Jenny Stone (Faculty)

Les was a real attribute to the lab in many, many ways.  He was the kind of person who always made you smile when you saw him.  Whether it was the devilish grin belying a funny thought, an innocent glimpse around the corner to see what was going on, or a cross-dresser's costume at the Halloween potluck – Les always had a humorous take on life around the lab.  He was a true entertainer, even in the confines of our formal lab meeting room.  One day, rather than the typical data presentation, he presented an impromptu slide serenade around the museums of London.  Another day, he hosted a "Guess that cellular structure" contest.  Les had the gift of "seeing" things in photomicrographs that none of us could, including tiny axonal endings and mitochondria that looked like hippos.  Most importantly, Les was a kind person, asking personal questions and really caring about the answers.  Not having Les here will leave a big hole in our day-to-day lives.  It was a treat to run into him in the hall; it enriched my day.  I will think of him oftenÉ.

Liz Oesterle (Faculty)

I had the privilege of interacting with Les in the laboratory, and we co-authored a paper on hair cell regeneration.  Les was truly a master at identifying developing synapses in TEM photomicrographs, and he helped us enormously by identify developing synapses on newly generated cells in our growth-factor exposed inner ear tissue.  Les was a sheer joy to work with, and I will miss our interactions and conversations over a cup of tea.  Les had a great big smile, a wonderful sense of humor, and he typically lightened the workday with his witty comments and fun-loving approach to laboratory life.  He was a breath of fresh air for our often too stuffy, too formal, too serious research meetings and medical department environment.  I'll be missing his sticking his head in my office with a big grin on his face just to say hi.  Les was a warm, caring, compassionate person who was interested in our personal lives as well – definitely one of "the good guys" and he will be sorely missed.

Glen MacDonald (Imaging Support Staff, Microscopist, Histologist)

My first meeting with Les was in 1978, in a job interview, as a recent college graduate seeking further training in electron microscopy.  He made a strong impression on me with the classical training and perspective in science that was already becoming rare.  I got to know him better after he became involved with our lab.  His broad interests and sense of humor made one realize that life was not compartmentalized by titles, disciplines, personal life or professional life.   He was interested in the human side of science as much as anything.  His presence in the lab added an additional dimension where sometimes I had to ponder his statements or slides to spot the spoof or get the joke.  I will miss his gifts as an anatomist and as a friend.

Dale Cunningham(Histologist, Microscopist)

I'd known Les for a number of years before I had the pleasure of working directly with him on a project after he became affiliated with the Bloedel Hearing Research Center in 1997.  Since that time, we've collaborated on a number of projects and he became a real mentor to me.  On a professional level, he was unsurpassed in his knowledge of the ultrastructural anatomy of the nervous system.  Although he valued my opinion and encouraged my input, it was obvious that I was the pupil and he, the teacher. 

I think most of us will always remember those quirky aspects of Les's outgoing personality that made him such a wonderful and unique person: engaging total strangers in conversation, giving gifts to people for no particular reason (other than he liked to do it), his great sense of humor and propensity to play tricks.  But one of the more ordinary things I'll always remember about Les, is that whenever we met, whether casually or for a work-related meeting, Les would always ask, "how's the family?" or "how's the kid?" illustrating his genuine concern for his fellow human beings.  It was never "business first" but always the human element that was most important to Les and was so much a part of his personality.  If you had a problem, he would offer advice or maybe anecdotes from his own personal experiences.  Or just be there to listen.  He was the kind of friend everyone wants to have during one's lifetime.

David Mills (Faculty)

Les was always a genuine pleasure to see at the lab, he always met me with a big smile and a firm handshake, with an inquiry into how I was doing, and he always seemed to be genuinely interested.  Over the years, I shared some of my own struggles with Les and he was always ready with some good advice and some joke or comment that would cheer me up and put the struggle into its more realistic place in my life.  I also had the great pleasure of sharing a room with Les when we went to the Rubelab retreats at Pack Forest, and also several times we shared a hotel room at the annual Association for Research in Otolaryngology meeting in Florida.  Whenever I would pop into the room and meet Les, there was always an animated discussion about what we were doing, what was interesting, and where we were going next.  At night, when we settled in, there was always time to share the day's events, the posters and the talks and the people we had met.  I will always remember those evenings when we settled back in our beds and had our long relaxing talk with the sound of the surf outside our balcony as a background.  I shall miss Les greatly.

Chris Thompson (Graduate Student)

A kind heart and a great person: that's best way to sum up my thoughts of Les. We never worked closely, but he always made me feel special, always wanting to know how life was treating me. When Les talked to you, it was as if you were the center of the Universe. Les's amazing intellect might only be matched by his fantastic wit. His sly smile and the twinkle in his eye never failed to make my day. He will be sorely missed.

Kevin Whitham (Computer Support Staff)

Whenever I remember Les, he is always smiling and happy and making me laugh about something, usually a funny story or a joke.  What always impressed me the most about Les was his ability to be such a warm and caring human being despite working in a very rigorous and analytical profession.

Just before he passed away, I had a dream about Les.  I was visiting him in the hospital where everything was white and sterile, but when I opened the door to his room, it was very warm and comfortable inside like he was staying at the Four Seasons Hotel.  Les was asleep on the bed, fully dressed in his usual work clothes, and when I approached him, he sat up, sprang to his feet and started singing.  He then sort of danced around the room, telling some jokes and making me laugh, then headed out the door and down the hall.  Then I woke up.

I had never had a dream about Les before and when I found out that he had passed away, I realized that maybe this dream meant that he was all right; that wherever he may be, he is happy!

Armin Seidl (Post-doctoral Fellow)

Les was one of the first persons I talked to when I came for a job interview in February 2003. I didn't know who he was and was very surprised when I found out that he is a professor. I guess I was surprised because he didn't show the self-absorbed manner that professors sometimes do. He showed genuine interest in my work and had also a genuine interest in me understanding his.

It was always nice meeting Les in the lab, for a little chat or just for a hello, and I would have liked working with him. You have lost a special person.

Debbie Bratt  (Molecular Biology Staff)

On my very first day of work, I was in the computer workroom not knowing a single soul. And there was Les big as life, smiling at me and asking, "And who are you? Where did you come from? What makes you special?"  He immediately made me feel welcomed.  From that day forward it was always a pleasure to see Les in the hallway, parking garage, but most of all in lab meetings (always cracking a joke).  Les' personality was bigger than life and he just made you happy to be around him.  It is a sad loss, but I am a better person for having known him.

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Memories of Dr. Westrum from the Medical Students of the University of Washington

Elizabeth Meade

I worked across the hall from Dr. Westrum for over 2 years before encountering him as a UWSOM instructor as well.  He always brightened my day and would pop his head into my office room to share a joke or just say hi.  I went back to working in the same spot during the summer between 1st and 2nd year (while he was teaching the 1st year histology course) and he would come by my desk every morning with a 'pop quiz' in histology and not leave until I got the question right!  He always made me laugh and was such a genuinely kind person.  I know he will really be missed.

Sonja Ronning

I particularly appreciated that Dr. Westrum and I could chat about lutefisk and lefse when we tired of talking about histology and neuroanatomy.  When I think of him I see a smile, hear a friendly greeting, and remember that twinkle in his eye that always made you feel like life was good.  My sincere condolences on his passing, and my gratitude for the wonderful difference he made in the lives of his students.

Hong

I am graduating very soon, but I still remember Dr. Westrum's big smile and his friendiness. He was such a happy person to be with.

Jerico Cairns

Dr. Westrum was my Histology professor during the Pre-Matriculation Program the summer before I began medical school.  He was always cracking jokes and teasing us during the lectures and lab.  His sense of humor was welcome and his presence made the six weeks of classes go by much faster.  Dr. Westrum made my transition to medical school much easier and more personalized.  I was the only WAZZU Cougar taking the course that summer, and since most of my classmates were UW Huskies I was outnumbered.  However, Dr. Westrum made it clear that he too was a Coug (I think he might have done his undergrad at WSU) and so I always knew he was looking out for me =).

Throughout my first year I would run into Dr. Westrum at school and he always made an effort to say hello or give a friendly wave to acknowledge that he saw me.  I also enjoyed listening to some of his presentations in our Neuroanatomy course, which were always peppered with little jokes.

My favorite memory of Dr. Westrum was from one day when I was bicycling on University Avenue.  While running errands on my bike I heard someone honk at me.  I figured it was somebody being rude and upset with me for being in their car lane, but when I looked I realized it was Dr. Westrum waving with a big smile as he drove by in a little tiny car -- I couldn't help but laugh and wave back.

I had the privilege of TAing the Histology course the following summer between first and second year.  He was always very mellow and fun to work with, and he did a superb job of mentoring me and helping me teach the subject.

I will miss his smile and laugh, but I am thankful that I had an opportunity to know such a wonderful individual.

Miriam Lee

I remember Dr. Westrum as the energetic professor. He was inspiring!  You could tell he loved what he was doing and wanted to share his passion with others.  He was one of those professors who was always optimistic and encouraging.  He also had a good sense of humor. I noticed that he almost always had a smile on his face and a kind word.   Thank you, Dr. Westrum!

Thea Petersen

I just finished my 2nd year of medical school and had the honor of being both a student of Dr. Westrum and worked with him as a TA during these 2 years.  I first met Dr. Westrum during the fall of my first year when he gave a couple lectures to our histology class.  I remember thinking he was one of the funniest lecturers we had encountered.  He kept us laughing during the spring neuroanatomy course and made the labs fun. It was easy to see he had a love for theater and comedy.  He loved to tease students and crack jokes, but also loved to teach and was even willing to stay after class and spend extra time helping those who were struggling.

Last summer, I was a TA for the histology class that Dr. Westrum co-taught.  It was one of my most fun experiences of medical school.  Dr. Westrum always had a smile on his face and every day he would ask me how my evening or weekend went.  It meant a lot to me that he cared about my life outside of school as well as life in the health sciences building.  He was very encouraging and he made learning and teaching fun. 

In my experience, I learn the most from professors who are excited and passionate about what they teach, no matter how difficult the subject or how interested I was previously.  Dr. Westrum's interest in science and medicine was infectious because he was so excited about his work and so willing to share it with others.  He did not formally give any lectures to the 2nd year medical students, but during this last school year, I passed Dr. Westrum in the hall on occasion.  His face would light up in a big smile and he would ask how the quarter was going and how I was liking classes.  Coming from a small town and a small undergraduate college, it was a big change for me to be one person in a sea of people who sit in a lecture hall and don't know everyone around them.  I was glad to get to know Dr. Westrum and have a faculty member I felt comfortable talking with about school or any other part of life.  I will miss Dr. Westrum.  I will miss his smile, his sense of humor, and his ability to make learning fun and exciting.  Thank you for sharing Dr. Westrum with me and the entire medical school.

Helen Huarca Witte

I just wanted to express my deepest condolences regarding the passing of Dr. Westrum.  He was my histology teacher all summer of 2000.  He was a very patient and caring man and would often stay after class to re-explain a concept or another histological specimen. He was an outstanding teacher. He would always stop and say hi in the hallways as the years passed and asked how things were going.  I am extremely sad to hear that he has passed and will be keeping all of his family in my prayers,

Sonia Daria

Memorable, wonderful introduction to medical school.  Will always remember Dr. Westrum and his kindness, support, and twinkly eyes!!

Ashley Atwood

I remember many things about Dr. Westrum, but at the forefront of them all is the memory of his smile.  It was there when we entered neurobiology lecture or lab and when we left.  I don't think I ever saw him without it.  Medical school classes and especially professors can be intimidating, but somehow he managed to maintain a welcoming atmosphere.  I knew that if I asked him a question, no matter how stupid or basic it was, I would be treated as an equal and the explanation always came with a smile.

Gemma Catherine O'Keeffe

He was sincerely a bright spot in my medical education. It was an honor to have known him. Best of wishes and thoughts to his family and his spirit!

Rick Rapport

Jan:
I am sorry to have to send you an e-mail note rather than a letter, but I only recently learned that Les had died and I am about to leave town. I will miss the memorial, which I regret.
You will have dozens of letters like this one, because Les was good to people. He was very good to me when I was a resident, and that cannot be always said of the faculty. Not only did he occasionally give me good advice about research, he was endlessly optimistic about life and our possibilities.
You might know that about a year ago he agreed to read the manuscript of my new book NERVE ENDINGS: The Discovery of the Synapse (WW Norton). My single terror in writing this was that I'd make some awful scientific mistake that would then show up on the front page of the paper.  I was so reassured that Les found none. This debt is acknowledged in the book.
I called Bob Dunn to tell him Les had died. Bob admired him greatly.
I am so sorry.

Elizabeth Aylward, Professor

I'm not even sure Les knew my name, but he recognized me,as we had served on the faculty senate together.  He was so upbeat, friendly, and always had a positive word.  I wish I had gotten to know Les better, and my association with him, even though quite tangential, will make me remember that life is short and that I should take the time to get to know people like him better.  I can't imagine how many people were affected positively by Les, and how many of us will miss seeing his bright smile.  Even though my interactions with him were only occasional, I know I will certainly miss him.

Cecilia Wu

Dr. Westrum's lab was across from the lab I worked at when I was an undergraduate. He was very encouraging and enthusiastic. It was wonderful to see him again as a medical student. He always had a beaming smile and was so patient in explaining the intricacies of the brain. I will miss him.

To the loved ones of Dr. Lesnick Westrum.
I had Lesnick as a student at Eatonville High School from 1948-1951.  He was an outstanding student at that time of his life.  It was with great pleasure to read of his life's work and accomplishments.  He was a fine youngster whom you knew would succeed in any endeavor.  I had to write to let you know that a teacher had not forgotten him in over 50 years.  Sincerely, Janet Turnbull (Fircrest, WA)  June 13, 2005.