Thomas Westervelt Obituary

A Legend Lives On

Words to honor the adventurous life of Thomas Nevius Westervelt

May 4, 1945 - September 28, 2025

You may have noticed the world become a little dimmer on the morning of September 28th, 2025. Thomas (Tom) Nevius Westervelt began what he had always referred to as his "last great adventure." He spent 80 years exploring this beautiful planet as a geologist, a student, a professor, a husband, a father, a collector, an animist, a storyteller, and most recently a grandfather to Jasper Inti Arteaga-Westervelt.
From his early years on Everbreeze family farm in Bedminster, New Jersey, through his academic studies at Middlebury College and the University of Wyoming, and his professional career and time spent with family in the La Plata and San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, Tom became one of the most brilliant, eclectic, generous, curious, and loving souls this world has known. He followed his passions for rocks and minerals, for ancient cultures, for wild places forgotten by the bustle of the modern world, bringing back the most extraordinary stories to share, teach, and inspire others.
In the early 1980s, Tom had the incredible fortune of meeting and marrying a phenomenal woman who helped him rediscover empathy and compassion after a challenging chapter of life, having been drafted into the army during the Vietnam War and having had a short-lived first marriage. Janet (Jan) Cogswell Westervelt provided unwavering support for her husband. They both invested their hearts, souls, and countless hours into creating Tom's geology classes at Fort Lewis College for nearly 25 years, with the aim of giving students the best education possible in structural geology, tectonics, and ore deposits, and providing some of the most memorable field camps in the history of the FLC Geology program. Tom often demanded more from his students because he could see their potential before they could. He transferred knowledge and built confidence in students taking his courses. An educator at heart, his impassioned lectures captivated his students. Many of his students--motivated by his wisdom and zeal--pursued wildly successful careers in mining and geology across the country and the world. Tom later spent time working as a consulting geologist alongside many of his former students for gold mining companies nationally and internationally and teaching short courses to train economic geologists in the Western U.S. He had a profound and lasting impact on a number of his students and their highly successful careers, leading to lifelong friendships.
Tom always said the happiest moment of his life was when his daughter, Megan Anne Westervelt, was born in 1987. He began investing his unconditional love in raising Megan as a curious child who respected and studied nature; a capable and independent teenager who could change her own oil and confidently fire a gun; and an environmentally conscious adventure companion. He truly taught her what the concept of "adventure" meant. Near-death experiences chased Tom throughout his lifetime: lungs failing repeatedly at birth, multiple lightning strikes on mountain tops, negotiations with Viet Cong soldiers, grizzly bear encounters in British Colombia, and plans gone terribly awry while biking, canoeing, and rock climbing. Whether he evaded death through luck or wit, it simply wasn't his time yet. There was always room for one more adventure.
Tom was the kind of person with whom you could just as easily enjoy watching action films or romantic comedies. He cared deeply for his friends, sharing weekly dinners and long phone conversations. He cherished family traditions, especially leaf-catching every autumn. He adored artistic dance and spirited music. He relished in delicious cuisine and museum exhibitions. His suitcase was rarely unpacked before he was off to see another world wonder. From the High Place of Sacrifice in Petra, Jordan, to the end of the world in Ushuaia, Argentina, he always insisted on taking the road less traveled by, and he never once regretted it.
When Tom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer earlier this year, he remained a fighter. When his tumor showed no signs of diminishing with intensive treatment, Tom courageously chose to begin his last great adventure from the comfort of his own home. Even then, he never gave up on his love for adventure. He took one last journey through his beloved San Juan Mountains. Basking in the fresh autumn air, peering out the window at the golden Aspens and red-stained slopes, Tom was accompanied by family, friends, and students from years past as he summitted Corkscrew Pass between Silverton and Ouray one final time. He passed peacefully at home surrounded by family one week later. He had been looking so forward to reuniting with Jan, who passed away in December 2019; there is no doubt they are continuing their last great adventure together now.
If you knew Tom, you know he would want you to live passionately above all else. Honor him with your own adventures. Learn about the rocks around you. Toast to his life mantra, "Let's see what happens." Make sure that when your last sunset comes, you can say that you have truly lived.
Tom's daughter Megan and his son-in-law, Josue Arteaga Torres, would like to extend profound gratitude to Tom's long-time caregivers, Laura and Pam, as well as family friends and extended family, for showering Tom with so much love and support during both the joyful moments and the challenging times leading up to his passing.
A Celebration of Life for Tom will be held next autumn just as the leaves are beginning to reveal their golden splendor. All who knew and loved Tom are welcomed. Details will be published closer to the date. Contributions in Tom's honor towards one of his passionate causes can be made at next year's celebration.