Josh Liljenquist's Maternal Grandfather
Tom Westcott
Thomas Emmett Westcott Jr. is Josh Liljenquist's maternal grandfather.
Josh remembers his maternal grandfather, Tom Westcott, as funny, patient, hardworking, deeply faithful, generous, and devoted to his wife and family.
How Tom treated Mary
When Josh thinks of Grandpa Tom, one of the first things he remembers is how deeply Tom loved Josh's grandmother Mary and how carefully he took care of her. Josh remembers Tom opening doors and pumping gas for Mary.
After Tom died, Mary had to learn how to pump gas herself because Tom had always done it. Josh says that example taught him a great deal about how a man should treat the woman he loves.
A father’s love for his daughter
Julie told Josh about a note Tom once left on her car when she was getting out of school. It expressed how much he loved his daughter and invited the two of them to share dinner and talk about life.
For Josh, it is a simple family story that captures the attention Tom gave to the people he loved.
Breakfast, movie nights, and cousins
Tom made Josh cinnamon-sugar toast for breakfast when Josh stayed overnight. He also hosted movie nights for Josh, Josh's brother Jacob, cousin Andrea Toomer, formerly Westcott, and cousin Alyssa Timmerman, formerly Westcott.
Josh says these memories will stay with him for the rest of his life. He describes Andrea and Alyssa as more like siblings during childhood, when they grew up only a few houses apart.
Family business and quiet help
Tom owned Fairmont Plumbing and Heating, a family business. Josh recalls Julie and Carrie Westcott participating in receptionist or coordination roles, while Tom, Trent Liljenquist, and Mark Westcott performed HVAC and plumbing-related work.
Josh remembers the family sometimes doing work free of charge for people who could not afford it. He says Tom took pride in helping people without seeking recognition, as well as in work, family, and military service.
Faith, patriotism, and service
Josh says faith was central to Tom's life. He remembers Tom as strongly patriotic and as someone who taught family members to put God and family at the center of life.
Tom served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era, was stationed in Korea, held the rank of E-5, and received an honorable discharge in 1966.
The details that made him Tom
Josh describes Tom as funny, patient, extremely generous, family-oriented, hardworking, and someone with an extraordinarily big heart. He remembers how meticulously Tom cared for his yard, an everyday detail that remains part of the family's picture of him.
Josh sees Tom's faith, devotion to Mary, generosity, and quiet service as lessons that continue in his own life.
Family photographs
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Family ties
- Mary Ann Westcott, Josh Liljenquist's maternal grandmother
- Julie Ann Liljenquist, Josh Liljenquist's mother
- Mark Westcott, Josh Liljenquist's maternal uncle
A larger family legacy
Read Legacy of Service for the broader family story and People Who Shaped Josh for this growing collection.