Kelly Aubrey Westlake

Kelly Aubrey Westlake, “Baba” to those closest, age 81, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 14, 2019 in Albuquerque.  He was born July 20, 1938 in Corpus Christi, Texas to Leroy Aubrey and Louise Kelly Westlake.  He attended Harlingen High school and represented the Cardinals well as an academic honors multi-sport athlete who participated in many voyages seeking Texas championship glory.

After graduation he attended Texas Christian University (TCU) where he studied Mathematics and Physics and became a solid track performer for the Horned Frogs.  He was oh so close to making the 1958 Olympic track team but was overcome by injury.  During this time, Kelly continued to build his solid faith in Christ that he shared and modeled for all others.

He joined the Air Force in 1960 where he became a weather officer. He was proud to serve his nation and recognized the true meaning of patriotism. During his service, Kelly was stationed in Little Rock AFB and did an overseas duty to the Congo during the Korean War.  Kelly was also proud and thankful that the Air Force allowed him the ability to do special studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which he ensured all strangers were aware.  The best thing to happen on this assignment was in meeting his first bride, Linda Cunningham.  Linda was the light of his world who brought him happiness and children, Margaret and Kelly.

After serving four years in the military, he resigned to join the Texas Air National Guard and attend The University of Texas where he obtained his Masters of Business Administration - Hook ‘Em Horns!  His first job took him to the Land of Enchantment where he became a very successful businessman in the Albuquerque community.  He began his career at Peat Marwick and Main, where he was proud to earn the distinguishing mark of Certified Public Account, some would call him a Certified Pain in the _ _ _, but they still loved him.  He progressed his career through the automotive business where he worked for Galles Automotive, Julian Garcia Honda and Toyota, Galles and Davis,,and University Volkswagen while concluding at Southwest Reinsurance.  He was proud of where he worked, but prouder to be associated with all those around him, people he called friends.

Kelly dealt with much adversary in his life.  His first wife Linda died of breast cancer 13 years into marriage.  He did marry again, to Connie, who was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease early in their marriage.  They were married for 34 years in which he did love her dearly, but due to other circumstances they parted ways. Kelly then took on sole care responsibilities for his daughter who has been managing through MS for 25 years.  Through all these difficult struggles, Kelly simply endured with a positive attitude and persistence to do what was right.  He clearly knew that God gives us strength, God is good, and that in all that seems dark comes light.  His selfless care for others was an example for all.

Kelly loved golf, cribbage, cards, simply games.  Although he was ultra-competitive, he simply enjoyed the company of family and good friends.  In the later years of life, Kelly discovered the joy of grandchildren, which brought his life a whole new sense of meaning and reason for living.  He loved to be around Jaiden, Isabella, Ainsley and Alea, as they made him laugh and cry.

Kelly is survived by his loving children, daughter, Margaret Louis Westlake; sons, David Kip Lee Westlake and wife, Noel Davis, and Kelly Edwin Westlake and wife, Gina.  He was exceptionally proud of his four granddaughters, Jaiden, Isabella, Ainsley and Alea.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife. Linda Cunningham who passed during marriage; and younger brother, Don Dewey Westlake; and sister, Kay Westlake Dadson.

Our heartfelt thanks go out to the special staff at Presbyterian Medical Services who provided outstanding care, concern, guidance and support during Kelly’s last remaining days.  We’d also like to sincerely thank Lois Padilla, Edith Martinez, Maria Armstrong and others who provided care for Margaret as well as companionship and support to Kelly. They are truly angels sent from heaven.  Thank you, Bryan and Jill, for your selflessness through Sunday meals.  And lastly, thanks goes out to Gina, Jaiden, and Isabella who truly made his last days some of his best in sharing happy memories, reconciliation, and love.  And to all who knew Kelly, thank you for being a special part of his life and his friend.  May God bless you!