Our Story

Learn our story, from the beginning and into the future.

Ever since we opened our gates we have approached life (and death) differently. While some just see the end of a loved one’s life as a time for grief and mourning, we prefer to think of it as a time for reflection, appreciation and even celebration. This is evident in everything we do, from the way we conduct our services to the amenities we choose to offer. We are not a burial ground. We are a close knit community dedicated to honoring, sharing and preserving the amazing and inspirational stories that are life.

 
 
111
years in business
 
 

Why Us?

In a nutshell? Experience, professionalism, compassion, and empathy.

Why Us?

We've learned a lot over many years. Like how to present options without overwhelming. And how to meet the needs of many caring parties. People come to us in difficult times, and we respond kindness, calmness and expertise. Our goal is to create a beautiful occasion and make you feel welcome, always. We spend our days planning with families. We stay up to date with industry developments. And we make hard times a little easier.

Three Generations of Service

Westford Funeral Home has a proud tradition of serving our community for three generations.  John E. Westford, raised on a ranch in North Dakota, trained to become a funeral director/embalmer.  After moving to Bellingham, he married Veronica and worked in various funeral homes.  In 1943 he and Veronica purchased the Homer Mark Mortuary.  Thus was founded Westford Funeral Home. Through the years the business grew as it reflected John's personal qualities of warmth, caring, and a commitment to service.  Serving as Mayor of Bellingham for 12 years, President of Washington State Funeral Directors, National Boardmember of the American Cancer Society, and initiating Bellingham's Sister City Program with Tateyama, Japan, were just some of the ways in which John served his community.  In 1965, John and Veronica decided to relocate the funeral home from Cornwall Ave. and built a new facility overlooking Bellingham Bay at the corner of Broadway and West Holly St.

John and Veronica retired in 1975 when their son Jack and his wife Nancy purchased the  business.  Under Jack's leadership the firm grew and continued its commitment to serving grieving families and giving back to the community.  Jack has served as President of the Bellingham Chamber of Commerce, State Chairman of the Jobs for Veterans Task Force, President of his Parish Council, Boardmember of Washington State Funeral Directors, State Chairman and National Boardmember for Disaster Preparedness, District Chairman of Boy Scout Council, Commander of the American Legion, and Rotary Boardmember and Paul Harris Fellow.  Jack is known for leading various fundraisers and giving salmon barbecues for local charities.  In the early 1980's a Pre-Need division was formed followed by the establishment of Bellingham Monuments and Bellingham Cremation.  Jack purchased the historic Westford Hall, formerly the Aftermath Hall, as a venue for funeral receptions.

In 2002 after graduating UW and working for several years in software development Rob Westford, Jack and Nancy's son, returned to Bellingham to enter funeral service.  He became General Manager and began purchasing the funeral home in 2005.  A third-generation funeral director, Rob has combined his lifetime of experience in funeral service, his total dedication to grieving families, and his innovative ideas to provide new services for today's families.

Westford Funeral Home has adapted to changing times and changing consumer needs.  As we look back, we see a firm foundation and tradition of which we can be proud.  We look forward to meeting the challenges of the future in serving the needs of the people of Bellingham and surrounding Whatcom County.

Who We Are

Meet our staff. Members of the local community make everything that happens possible.Together, we make this place amazing.

Rob & Rianna  Westford

Rob & Rianna Westford

Owner/Funeral Director/Pre-planning Expert
Jack & Nancy Westford

Jack & Nancy Westford

Funeral Directors
Paul V. Spinelli

Paul V. Spinelli

Funeral Director
Kim Wagner

Kim Wagner

Family Services
Elizabeth  Suel

Elizabeth Suel

Reception Coordinator
Ally Tippery

Ally Tippery

Funeral Director

Explore Our Location

See where we are located.