Westervelt,
Franklin 3/26/1930 - 7/29/2015 Ann Arbor Dr. Franklin Herbert
Westervelt passed away on July 29, 2015. He died peacefully at his Ann
Arbor home, attended by his daughter, Wendy, his caregiver. He was born
in Benton Harbor, MI, on March 26, 1930, the son of Herbert Oleander
Westervelt and Dorothy Ulbright Westervelt. Franklin received degrees in
Mathematics, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering from the College of
Engineering at the University of Michigan. He attained his PhD in 1961
and was an Associate Director of the U of M Computing Center. He was a
professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Wayne State
University, where he served as Director of the Computing Center and
Chairman of the ECE department. He was part of the team that developed
the MERIT network, linking computers at U of M, MSU and Wayne State
University, an early "internet" between the three state universities.
Franklin was a wonderful husband and father. He was a master of home
projects from decks and boathouse doors to swing-and-slide sets and
sandboxes. He also supported strongly the family wildlife sanctuaries in
both the Ann Arbor and Traverse City areas, and devoted many weekend
hours improving and enjoying them. Franklin is survived by his son and
daughter-in-law, Andy and Linda (McCarren); their four children Renee,
Eric, Laura and Peter; his daughter, Wendy; his nephew and his wife
James and Aida (Datuon) Ednie; and his faithful Lhasa Apso, Merlin.
Franklin was preceded in death by his loving and beloved wife of 65
years, Louise (Andrews) Westervelt; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law
Frances (Andrews) and William Ednie, and one niece Linda Ednie. Guest Book for Franklin WesterveltDecember 25, 2015 I just learned of Frank's passing. The Westervelt family were the best neighbors that anyone could wish for. They lived next door to my parents and were wonderful to my mom after my dad passed. Their love of animals and nature was amazing. I admired them very much. RIP Frank and Louise. You did good on this earth. Marilyn Wilkie, Wellston, Michigan August 07, 2015 I worked with and for Dr Frank Westervelt at the WSU College of Engineering electronics shop until his retirement. He displayed an exuberance as yet unmatched by anyone. I will always remember his after-hours visits to us shop technicians and the very interesting stories and subjects he brought to us. My condolences go to all who knew and loved him. Randy Szabla, Farmington Hills, Michigan August 03, 2015 Frank came to Wayne State University in 1970 to become director of our Computing Center. It was great to have a man of his stature come to our center. He brought the MTS computer operating system to Wayne, and I enjoyed working for him and with him. He had an open-door policy of directing the Computing Center, and I often walked in to discuss an issue with him. My sympathies go to his family and friends. Jim Simmons, Madison Heights, Michigan August 02, 2015 I worked with Frank when he was at Wayne State University and I was at the Merit Network. He will be missed. There is a biographical article about him and his many contributions to computing and education on Wikipedia at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franklin_H._Westervelt Jeff Ogden, Ann Arbor, Michigan August 02, 2015 I worked with Frank for many years at the UM Computing Center where he was a good friend and a great role model. He had far more influence on the success of the Computing Center in the 60s and 70s and most people realize. We will all miss him. Mike Alexander, Ann Arbor, Michigan - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/annarbor/franklin-westervelt-condolences/175409532?&eid=lc_gbexpire#sthash.GiEKlSq1.dpuf |
Discussions > People >
