Lesnick Westrum Obituary

Les, You walk with us as we continue on life's path, guiding us by your example, helping us to augh and learn. We will love you always.

Dr. WESTRUM was a man of energy, humor and compassion. Lesnick ("Les") Westrum, who served as a member of the University of Washington Medical School faculty for almost half a century, was a highly regarded scholar and teacher. His research in the neurosciences was admired by his peers because of the superb technical quality of his experiments and the imaginative interpretation of his observations. His work made significant contributions to an understanding of the organization of the brain and how the brain responds when it is damaged. Lesnick passed peacefully, surrounded by his family and friends, on Saturday, May 14, 2005. Graveside Services were held Wednesday, May 8th at Dry Creek Cemetery in Boise, Idaho. Idaho arrangements were by Summers Funeral Homes in Boise. Lesnick was a man of tremendous energy, and passionately devoted to his life's work in medicine. All knew him as an engaging and inspiring man who felt a deep concern for others, especially for the homeless and underprivileged, whom he helped and treated as friends. In the words of one colleague, "Les was a warm, caring, compassionate person who was interested in our personal lives as well." Another close friend remarks, "He was the kind of friend everyone wants to have during their lifetime." Lesnick was born the first of 4 children on October 19th, 1934 to Ole and Marcella Westrum. Lesnick grew up on his parents' farm in Eatonville, Washington, and his appreciation of hard work was instilled at an early age. Not only did he work on the farm, but from the age of nine he worked at his father's meat market in South Tacoma, standing on a stool to reach the counter. After graduating from Eatonville High School in 1952, Lesnick considered a career as a veterinarian, commencing undergraduate studies in zoology at Washington State University. His studies were interrupted when he was called to serve on a mission by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for 2 1/2 years in Tahiti. If anyone was converted, however, it was Lesnick. Immersing himself in their culture, he soon grew to love and respect the Tahitians, whose traditions and simple way of life, he realized, should not be changed. Although Lesnick completed his B.S. in Zoology, his experience in Tahiti awakened an even greater interest in people, and Lesnick entered the University of Washington School of Medicine, where he earned his M.D. in 1963. during these medical studies, Lesnick became especially interested in the structure and workings of the brain, and took advantage of an opportunity to visit Norway and work with some of the world's experts in neurology and neuroanatomy. Here he became passionately attracted to the innovative use of electron microscopy to study the details of cellular structures in the brain. After completing his M.D., Lesnick left for London, where he studied and worked in the Department of Anatomy and Embryology at University College, London University, earning a Ph.D. there in 1966. He then returned to the University of Washington Medical School, joining its faculty in the Departments of
Neurological Surgery and Biological Structure. For the next 39 years Lesnick conducted research on the structure of the brain, making numerous new and important contributions to the understanding
of the central nervous system's structure, development and response to injury. During this time he was a prolific writer in his field, and also served on the editorial boards of numerous medical journals. Since 1997, Lesnick was a faculty affiliate with the Virginia Merrill Bloedel Hearing Research Center. He delighted in his new association with the people and their work. As a teacher, Lesnick enjoyed imparting his knowledge in the countless classes he gave to students at all academic levels. In the words of a fellow faculty member, "Les's profound understanding of the details of cellular structure were quietly, but passionately passed on to each student in the kind way of a master craftsman who deeply and confidently knows all there is to know, and then some, about his trade." Outside his medical career, Lesnick was an active member of the Democratic Party, and thoroughly enjoyed lively political discussions. He was a sports enthusiast, being a loyal supporter of the Huskies, and a man passionately interested in life. In 1998 he joined the Radio enthusiasts of Puget Sound, where he was able to express his love for acting. He performed in a dozen radio plays, acting in parts including the title role of Captain Midnight. He loved playing the roles of a Japanese, a Chinese, the mechanic for Charles Lindbergh, the voice of the USS submarine Tigrone, and the pirate Captain Blackton. He also dabbled with sound effects. As a fellow member stated, "He could do it all. "Lesnick is survived by his wife, Jan, and their much loved pets, Gypsy, Cross and Kira. Throughout Jan and Lesnick's 32 years of marriage they were the best
of friends as well as a loving couple. Lesnick was especially close to Jan's family - Marj and Joe, Ron, Kaye, Russ and Robert - with whom he shared many memorable experiences. Each summer everyone loved to gather for, if not finish, the family golf tournament. For over 20 years, Lesnick also loved to play Santa to young and old alike. To quote a family member, "While some of us didn't
believe in Santa, we all believed in Les." Lesnick is also survived by his sister, Karen Manning, of Sonoma County, and his brother, Medardy, of San Francisco. He was preceded in death by his father
and mother, and by his brother Valenti. When Lesnick was in the hospital, a dear young friend left him a letter. She said in part, "Thank you for everything you have taught me...I praise everything I have had with you...never forget about me and always know I love you forever." Lesnick brought constant smiles and admiration from all who knew him, and was "a good Husky even on the darkest day." His energy and love survive him.