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IN MEMORIAM: ROBERT B. WESTOVER September 21, 2011 (2 comments)
Los Angeles—Robert B. Westover, former vice president of the California Jewelers Association and honorary life director of the 24 Karat Club of Southern California, died peacefully in his sleep on September 8. He was 88.
Westover was hired as the executive director of the California Retail Jewelers Association—predecessor to CJA—in 1965. When the organization became CJA in 1973, he was elected to executive vice president. He retired in 1989 but returned on a temporary basis in 1997 when the then-director was taken ill.
The CJA established a scholarship in his honor in 1988, awarded each year to a deserving individual. It also created the Robert B. Westover Distinguished Service Award, a coveted award made to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the industry.
Westover is survived by his wife of 60 years, Helen; a niece, Nancy K. Austin; a nephew, Chris Westover, and his wife Barbara. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the California Jewelers Association’s Robert B. Westover Scholarship Fund.
"I've had the privilege of knowing Bob Westover for my entire career in fine jewelry media and exhibitions," said Howard Hauben, editorial director of The Centurion. "I have never met a finer gentleman or human being," he added.
Photo: National Jeweler