Daniel "D.J." Westrick's Obituary
Daniel “D.J.” Westrick, age 54 of Fort Gratiot, formerly of St. Clair, passed away peacefully at home following a courageous battle with cancer on February 19, 2025, with his family and beloved dog at his side. He was born July 19, 1970 in East China Twp.
D.J. started his working career with Dan’s Excavating and later moved on to Pamar Enterprises, where he worked for 28 years retiring as Superintendent. D.J.’s passion for his work was ever present. He cherished the friendships of his fellow employees as if they were the brothers he never had. D.J. would also take time to mentor young men, giving them life lessons that many will hold onto forever. One could never mistake D.J. driving into one of his jobsites, because he would travel everywhere with one of his dogs, Bubba and Maverick. D.J. was proud of his strong work ethic and worked as long into his illness as he was able.
D.J. will be remembered in his recreational circles as a professional gambler, card player, hunter, fisherman, meat smoker and occasionally a drinker, but almost all will remember him as a golfer. He lived to golf not only for the sport, but to spend time with all his golf buddies, who he also held close to his heart. He was a member of the Port Huron Golf Club and received an Honorary Life Time Membership at the Port Huron Elks Lodge 343, where he was a member for over 25 years. He was also a member of Knights of Columbus Council #2251, St. Clair.
If you were fortunate enough to work, golf or just spend time with D.J. you would know he was the life of the party, he had so many different circles of friends, he treated all his friends as family and was so thankful for all his friendships and that he was his happiest when in the presence those friends. In 54 years D.J. touched so many people, he will be dearly missed by them all.
D.J. is survived by his mother, Teri Westrick; sisters, Kacy (Ken) Kern, Kristin (Ryan) Morgan; nieces and nephews, Ava, Leah, Kamryn, Brooklyn, Madelynn (Nick), Hannah, Christopher, Gabrielle and Ryan along with many special aunts, uncles, cousins, dog Maverick, and many many lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Daniel R. Westrick and his best buddy, Bubba.
Words cannot begin to express how grateful D.J.’s family is for all the support and strength they have received throughout his illness. A special thank you also goes out to Amanda at Blue Water Hospice for her assistance during this time.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday, February 25th at 11:00 a.m. at Young Funeral Home, China Twp. Visitation will be Monday, February 24th at 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. The Elks will perform a Lodge of Sorrow service Monday at 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To leave a message of comfort visit www.youngcolonial.com
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