Richard "Rick" "Westside" G. Wilsterman

     On Monday October 30th 2023, local music Icon and the man with the heart of gold Richard G. (Westside) Wilsterman made his final curtain call, ending a nearly four month long send-off celebration at his home in Barberton. Unable to live another day without her, he joined his lifelong love Franny up in the heavens. He also reunited with his loving parents, Dick and Mary, along with his brother Martin and his brother Mike who is Heavens leading man on the violin. Rick leaves behind a team of siblings, Barb (Bob), Don (Young), Tim (Debbie), Dave (Beth), and Mark (Theresa). As well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and lifelong friends. Also left on this crazy earth to spread his legacy, and to keep the music going and the kindness flowing are the "fruit of his loins" his four children, Dale (Nicole), Sara (Jumpy Cow, NASA, Woody and Toaster), Angela (Chistopher) and Laurie (Jeremiah). Not to be left out, the true stars of his show, his grandchildren, Lacey, Merideth, Masen, Marlie, Kurtis, Lillian and Sawyer. Besides playing music the greatest joy in Ricks’ life was playing Grandpa. A normal trip to Grandpa's house looked like endless snack treats, popsicles on a hot summer day, yard games, a game of chess or a round of golf (Wii golf that is), among other things. A musical instrument was always within hands reach and Grandpa was always available for a lesson. One of our favorite memories would be him sitting down at his piano to encourage a sing along. Whether it be Christmas time or a random Tuesday night, music always filled his home. Rick enjoyed many things, hiking, biking, kayaking, family time, but music, that was his life's purpose. There wasn't a campfire he wasn't a part of, a song lyric he didn't know (because he would just make them up) and he never left a lonely piano un-played. After answering an ad in the newspaper searching for him, Willy Mac Music was born and the rest is history. Festivals, gigs, and friendships ensued. He lived out his dream visiting different places and playing for crowds, all while managing to be present for his wife and kids, both of which were his biggest fans. His life was pretty grand, and full of riches far greater than what the common man seeks. He brought his LIFE to the stages he played on, LOVE to the people he played with, and JOY to the people he played for, as well as the people he called friends. He played many incredible songs over the years, but the lyrics from 'The Circle Game" just fits here, "We're captive on the carousel of time, we can't return we can only look, behind from where we came, and go round, and round and round, in the circle game." Thanks Dad for a ride on the most animated, most fun, and most musical carousel a kid could ever ask for. Don't forget to drill that hole and pull us through.  A celebration to remember his REMARKABLE life will be held On Saturday, November 18th at 1pm at Block 7 Bar and Grill in Barberton.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard "Rick" "Westside" G. Wilsterman, please visit our floral store.