Wilford Jay Westergard, 77, of Idaho Falls, passed away Monday, August, 12, 2013, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born July 10, 1936, in Roberts, Idaho, to Virginia and Willard Westergard. His family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, when he was very young, along with his brother, Gerald and sister, Sara Mae. He joined the United States Marine Corp at the age of 17 and received many awards for his marksmanship. Upon his honorable discharge, he met and married Louise Ericksen. Together they raised four children and had 56 years together. Wilford worked hard and played hard. He enjoyed snow skiing, camping, hunting, fishing and water skiing. He loved taking long trips on his motorcycle and in their motor home with family and friends. In later years, his passion was golfing and he spent many hours golfing with his brother, Gerald and his son, Ron. Wilford enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He taught them to garden, play the piano, sing special songs, skip as only he could and "Do things right the first time". He danced and twirled with the girls and taught the boys how to shave. He was "Santa" for all the young ones and claimed it was the only job he was ever fired from. He retired from Hill Air Force Base in Ogden, Utah, as an F-16 Flight Inspector. After 47 years in the same Taylorsville home, Wilford and Louise made their new home in Idaho Falls in 2008. Wilford was preceded in death by his parents and his brother. He is survived by his wife, Louise; a daughter, Susan (Randy Nielsen) and his three sons: Russell (Linda), randy (Shelli) and Ron; a sister, Sara Mae (Bill Hickey), sister-in-law, Deb Westergard; 14 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren and his best friend, Sadie, his dog. The family would like to express our sincere gratitude to Brandy and Amy and the staff at One Source Hospice of Idaho Falls, as well as the many doctors, nurses and others who helped Wilford along the way. We also wish to thank Coltrin Mortuary for their special care and concern at this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in Wilford's name, to the American Cancer Society. There will be a Celebration of Life held for Wilford on Saturday, September 21, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St., Idaho Falls. Condolences may be sent to the family online at ronwestergard@yahoo.com.