Dick in 2018 at the release party for the history committee’s book, “A People’s History of the Seward Neighborhood,” held in the Seward Co-op Creamery.
Richard Henry Westby, known as Dick, passed away on June 3, 2026, at the age of 91. Born on October 24, 1934, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Dick lived a life defined by faith, family, service, friendship, and a deep commitment to the neighborhood in which he lived.
Dick was raised in Minneapolis and attended Seward Elementary School before graduating from South High School in 1952. He continued his education at Bethel College and later earned his degree from Bethel Seminary.
In 1956, Dick married Sandra Westby (Hanson) and together they shared nearly seventy years of marriage, building a family centered on love, compassion, and service to others.
Dick began his professional life in ministry, serving as a pastor at a small-town church in
Saskatchewan. He dedicated himself to helping others through faith and community. From 1966 to 1970, Dick served as Director of the Bethel Baptist Church Christian Youth Center, where his dedication, encouragement, and genuine care made a lasting impact on the lives of many young people in the community. Later in his career, he became the Coordinator of Minneapolis Community Education at Matthews Center from 1970 until he retired in 1995. He was a passionate advocate for community education, helping to expand opportunities for lifelong learning and personal growth. Throughout his life, he remained deeply committed to social justice, believing in the dignity and worth of every person and working to create more inclusive and caring communities.
Dick is survived by his wife, Sandra; his children, Kathleen Westby (Peter Loyd), Steve Westby (Kelli Westby), and Jon Westby (Catherine Westby); and his grandchildren, Claire Verdi, Madeline Parks, James Westby, and Henry Westby. He is also survived by his siblings, Ann Westby, Jim Westby, Jerry Westby, Barb Westby, and Judy Jungworth.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hank and Goldie Westby, and his brother, Dave
Westby.
Dick came from a renowned hockey family and proudly played hockey for the South High
Tigers. Throughout his life, he embraced an active lifestyle and found joy in the outdoors. He loved camping, bicycling, canoeing, yoga, and staying fit. An avid outdoorsman, he had a
profound appreciation for nature and was a dedicated advocate for environmental stewardship.
Dick also cherished creative pursuits and lifelong learning. He enjoyed theater, music, and art, and was always eager to explore new ideas and experiences. One of his greatest gifts was his ability to connect with people. He genuinely enjoyed meeting others, forming new friendships, and building community wherever he went.
Born and raised in the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis. He lived his whole life on the same lot that his grand parents had purchased in 1912. Always an enthusiastic spokesperson for the neighborhood, he was actively engaged in the Seward Neighborhood Group since its beginnings in the 1960s. He was elected as Co-President on its board of Directors in 1988 and again in 1992.
He was an active member in the neighborhood all his adult life. He played a leading role in the planning and implementation of a multitude of neighborhood events and programs: the formation of the Seward Neighborhood Group itself in 1960, working with the city on local urban renewal planning throughout the 1960s and 70s, the first Seward Art Fair in 1975, Crime and Safety walks, Tree planting projects, community education classes with school kids and seniors, and much more…
He had a great fondness for local history. He joined the SNG History Committee in 1977 and
with them in 1979 created the first of many bi-annual King’s Fairs in Seward. He and the
committee worked to archive Seward history for the next 40 years: there were oral history
interviews from 1978 to 2008, reminiscence evenings and local historical plays in the 1990s, history walks, and talks in 2014 to 2019. And from 2011 to 2026, as a firm believer in the need for a book on the history of his favorite neighborhood, he devoted much energy to the production and promotion of the book “A People’s History of the Seward Neighborhood” published in 2018 by Nodin Press. One of his many gifts to his neighborhood.
Those who knew Dick will remember his welcoming spirit, thoughtful conversations,
compassionate heart, and unwavering belief that people are stronger when they care for one another. His life was a testament to faith in action, service to others, and the enduring value of community.
Dick’s legacy lives on through the family he loved, the friendships he nurtured, the neighborhood he helped to shape, and the countless lives he touched through his ministry, advocacy, and kindness.
Funeral service information will be announced by the family.
May his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.