Obituary of Everett "E.J." Westerneng

Everett James (E.J.) Westerneng was a beautiful blond, blue eyed, boy born to Twila Nesvold (MacDonald) and Henk Westerneng on July 10,1992. The first 7 years of his life were spent in Edson, Alberta where he brought so much pleasure, laughter and love to his family always full of giggles, spit and vinegar. He attended Vanier Catholic School in Edson until grade 1. Everett moved to Camrose with his Mom and siblings in 1999 and attended grades 2-6 at Sifton School, and then grades 7-9 at Charlie Killam Jr. High and Grade 10 and on was at Camrose Composite High. Everett didn't truly love school ... but at age 12 Everett was excited to finally join 644 Cougars Air Cadets, and eventually becoming Warrant Officer 2 of the squadron, having many fun and life changing experiences. He enjoyed the campouts, flying and gliding and was fortunate enough to enjoy many summer training camps. It is there at his Sr. summer camps that he discovered his love for survival, and became a survival instructor. He made many, many friends from all over Canada at Summer Camp and he was very proud to be part of the 'SIC family' . "Adapt and Overcome". His grade one teacher Ms. Malloy had EJ pegged.....Everett is a very social person, he enjoys chatting with his neighbours, and sometimes forgets what to do. That certainly never changed. He was easy to befriend and to love. If you were lucky enough to know EJ and become his friend, you would find him to be unselfish, honest, loving, and giving. Everett was amazingly close to his siblings and would protect them and his friends at all cost. E.J. absolutely loved music! He was blessed with a natural talent, Everett was always ready to whip up an impromptu song and play his guitar to cheer up a sibling, parent or friend. Playing guitar with his first band members 'Any Last Regrets' and finally 'Radio Flyer' was a real highlight in his too short life. His favourite job was landscaping and yard maintenance. He talked of how it made him feel so close to his Grandpa Nesvold with whom he spent many a Saturday afternoon mowing lawn together at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Everett spent numerous hours visiting and absorbing all Grandpa's years of wisdom and advise... most repeated was "...Only pick the big potatoes". Left to cherish his memory are his parents Twila and Jerry Nesvold of Camrose, Henk and Edna Westerneng of Edson; siblings Johanna Westerneng (Joel Rezewski) of Victoria, Kyle Westerneng (Brandy Shepherd) of Hay Lakes, Dreena Westerneng (Kody Popowich) of Camrose, Jesse (Lindsey) Nesvold of Cold Lake, Andrea (Chris) Tally of Edmonton, Jerome (Vanessa) Duphay of Camrose, Donald Nettnay (Kristina) of Red Deer, Robin Knight of Lethbridge; neices and nephews; lots and lots of loving Aunties and Uncles. Everett was predeceased by his grandparents Earl and Eleanor Nesvold, Everet and Johanna Westerneng, Edward Mrochuk, Maureen MacDonald and Charles and Maryanne Adams. A funeral service was held on Monday, June 4, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. from the Messiah Lutheran Church with Pastor David Eriksson officiating. Interment has taken place in the Camrose Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to "CASDDA" (Canadian Search & Disaster Dogs Association) or "N.A.A.R.S. (Northern Alberta Aquatic Rescue Society) or to the Battle River Community Foundation for Musical Endeavors in Memory of E.J. Westerneng.