John Henry Westergaard

John Henry Westergaard passed away Saturday evening July 27, 2019 after a long arduous fight battling cancer. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Lane Westergaard; his son John Westergaard II 38 (wife Molly and daughter Olive); son Matthew Westergaard 33 (wife Adina); daughter Jessica Hall 32; daughter Hannah Westergaard 25 and son George Westergaard 19. He is also survived by brother Roger Westergaard (wife Terri); sister Linda Legel (son Kennedy and daughter Aimee); brother Tom Westergaard (wife Holly: son David and daughters Kristen and Sarah); Brother Andy Westergaard (wife Tricia: sons Brian and Dylan) and sister Lisa Hubbard (husband Tom: sons Calvin and Grady). He is also survived by Father-in-law Charles Roddy (wife Cindy) and Mother-in-law Lana Roddy; sister-in-law Dawn Lassiter (husband Jason, son Caleb and daughter Mallory) and sister-in-law Suzanne King (husband David, daughter Avery).He also has 5 great nephews and 3 great nieces. He was a loving husband and father, as well as son and brother. Raised in Michigan, then living in Ohio as a young man, he later moved to Florida to start new as a chef at Disney. He moved to Winter Park Florida to be with his love in 1993. They shared a home together for 26 years. His career has been as a chef and culinary technical specialist since before graduating from Johnson and Wales in 1983 with his culinary degree. He also collected several certifications including the elite and coveted distinction of Certified Executive Chef. His passion was food. He also loved teaching those around him about the importance of enjoying available foods and flavors and to not be afraid to “play around” and create new palate pleasers. He was always hard working; sometimes to a fault. He was a very loyal employee, co-worker and friend to many. There are many new chefs that have been touched by his intelligence, courage and mentoring that have started their own careers with his help. His culinary genius will touch many for years to come. He has worked many different venues including hotels, convention centers, restaurants, college instructor and corporate life with Publix. His next passion was cars. No one will ever forget his infamous Shelby. Many days have been spent with grand prix and Nascar racing. Or tinkering with whatever car needed attention in the front driveway or yard. Those that knew John will remember his smile and quirky sense of humor. He was generous to a fault and always tried to be a peace keeper. The most important thing in life was his family.Our hearts and lives will be emptier for his absence. A Celebration of Life will take place August 24, 2019 at The Covenant Church in Audubon Park starting at 2pm. Please consider in lieu of cut flowers or wreathes a contribution to his family of a native Florida plant for the church butterfly/prayer garden or contribution to cover cost of celebration and incoming medical bills.

John Henry Westergaard

October 30, 1958 - July 27, 2019