In Remembrance: Charles Bainbridge Westover Jr. ’64 Died on May 10 2017

Charles Bainbridge Westover Jr. (“Chick”), 78 years, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away at home on May 10, 2017. Born in San Antonio, Texas, on May 16, 1938, he was the eldest son of the late Charles B. Westover (Lt. Gen., USAF, retired) and Alice McIntosh Frink. He was a graduate of Yale University and an Army veteran.

Chick, as he was known, was a free spirit, an entrepreneur, a teacher, and a mentor who went wherever his curiosity and love of learning took him. He explored many places, first as a child of a military family, then as a lover of music, nature, and history. His favorite adventures, however, centered around his family as a loving father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather who took pride in the successes of those he loved.

Throughout life, Chick gave voice to those he felt had not been heard, donating time to the Special Olympics Connecticut, numerous community outreach programs with the CT Jaycees, local church groups, and grassroots efforts for political and social change on local and state levels. Although he started his career in sales and computers, he was a creative soul at heart. He cultivated a passion for poetry into a bridge to his dreams as a songwriter, taking on an active role in the Connecticut Songwriters Association. He truly believed that given the opportunity, everyone could achieve their goals and dreams. 

Seeking something more, he ventured to Nashville to immerse himself in its rich musical traditions. Chick wrote many “story” songs inspired by his travels and the people, culture, and history he discovered along the way. He loved talking to people, hearing their stories and sharing his own with those who made the time to listen. Anchored by his faith, he joined St Philips Episcopal Church, Nashville, where he continued to connect with people by tirelessly volunteering at Room in the Inn, providing a kind heart and a willing ear to those in need. Settled in his “new home,” his desire and innate ability to teach led him to McGavock High School.  As a substitute teacher, he thoroughly enjoyed helping to guide all students, who he viewed as the leaders of tomorrow. Meanwhile, he pursued music through unending support and collaboration with the local singer-songwriters.  Forever the activist, he often blended music and politics to stand in support of others. From the Kerrville Folk festival, to Bay St. Louis, to the “Trail of Tears,” he wrote poetry, sang his own songs, and built relationships with people that have lasted a lifetime.   

Chick is survived by his brother, Timothy O. Westover (Col. USAF, retired), Tucson, Arizona; his sister, Susanna Hansen, Delray Beach, Florida; his three children, Deborah Sullivan, New Haven, Connecticut, Kimberly McCarroll, Mount Juliet, Tennessee, and Christopher B. Westover, San Antonio, Texas; five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, two nieces, two nephews, and a loving extended family.

Donations in his memory can be made to: Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee (https://secondharvestmidtn.org/give/) or St Philips Episcopal Church, 85 Fairway Drive, Nashville.

—Submitted by the family.