A visitation for Tristan Alexis Westphal, 35, Lawrence, will be from 6 pm to 7 pm Saturday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory.
Tristan peacefully left this world on January 6, 2014.
He was born May 18, 1978, in Hastings, Nebraska, the son of Steven Ethan and Michelle Renee Moore Westphal. He attended school at Superior Public Schools and graduated from Lawrence Alternative High School. He also attended railroad school at Johnson County Community College.
He was employed at various crafts, as an apprentice chef at the Adams Alumni Center; the Reuter Pipe Organ Company, where he was a finisher; at Vaughncraft Percussion in Baldwin, where he crafted world class tambourines; and Schlumberger in Lawrence.
Tristan was a very dedicated and doting father. Besides spending time with his daughters and family, he enjoyed listening to music, as well as going to concerts, fishing, gardening, cooking, fine cuisine, and fine beers. He was very caring, generous, and a loyal friend to many and will be sorely missed.
He is survived by his daughters, Aurora and Athena Westphal, Olathe; parents Steve and Michelle Westphal of Lawrence; his brother, Schuyler and wife Jasmine; sister, Chanelle and partner Patrick; nephews, Nevada Diehl of Superior, Nebraska, Quinton Westphal of Lawrence; niece, Laney Westphal of Lawrence; and grandmother, Clara Westphal.
He was preceded in death by his grandpa, Donald Moore; grandma, Fern Moore; and uncle, Hugo Westphal.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Tristan Westphal Memorial Fund, sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.
I just found out and am very saddened to hear about Tristan’s passing. I have fond memories of working him at Vaughncraft. My thoughts and condolences are with you guys.
My thoughts and condolences go out to your family. I have fond memories of working with Tristan at Reuter years ago, and am so sorry for your loss.
Hi Steve,
Sorry to hear about Tristan. My sympathies to you and Michelle.
Thinking of you, Steve, and family. My hope is that you take comfort in knowing how well Tristan was thought of by those who knew him.
I have many fond memories of Tristan. We both recently lost our grandmothers, and he shared a memory of my grandma walking with us from southward elementary in Superior. He said it made him feel safe, and remembered being sad when I moved away and he didn’t walk with us any longer. Reflected on the kindness of my grandmother and it made me feel so warm! That was Tristan’s style. Supportive and genuine. I miss our conversation, and know that I will never meet anyone with a heart like his. My thoughts and prayers with his family, all struggling with this great loss.
Tristan was a true friend, an amazing brother in law, doting dad to his daughters and over all an honest humble soul. He dedicated his life to his daughters who was his whole world —- he never cared for his own happiness but would do anything to give others happiness. He is one of those unique souls you get to meet once in a lifetime and changes your perception for humanity forever.
Tristan — I will miss you as long as I live.
Clara Westphal and family,
One of my favorite teachers, bar none, was my music teacher Mrs. Westphal. (Later known as Clara Westphal.) You’re were an inspiration and I’m sure one of the reasons Tristan had a love of music stemmed from his grandma. You, and the whole family, are in my thoughts and prayers. May God fill you with the peace that passes all understanding and give you comfort in this difficult time. I am so sorry. Carol
So long ago, so many good times. A very good boy became a a very good man. Tristan will be missed. His spirit lives on in all of us who knew him as friend, son, brother and father.
Saddened to hear about Tristan and so sorry for your loss. I thought about him as I pulled out one of the tambourines he had made.
Steve & Michelle,
Words cannot express my sincerest sympathy on the loss of your son Tristan. I have good memories of him when he worked at Reuter and can only pray that someday your fond memories will take away the pain your feeling now. May he rest in peace.
Peace and love to all members of the Westphal family. Tristan will be missed.
Steve, Michelle and family,
We are so sorry to hear about Tristian. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Kay Miller and family
I had the privelage of getting to know Tristan when I was his daughter, Athenas, preschool teacher. He was such a sweet quiet man who had this wonderful energy about him. One could tell how much he loved his girls. I am so saddened that he has left this world. I will always remember the contagious smile he had. My thoughts go out to the entire family. May he rest in peace. I know he will continue to look after his girls from the other side.
We are very sorry for your loss. My son was always excited to see “Christan” (as he would call him). I did not know Tristan well but I found him to be a kind, gentle, and very thoughtful man. Rare traits in this world. We will miss him.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family!
Steve & Michelle, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your loved ones. Sorry for your loss, may god be with.
Michelle I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My heart aches for you and your family
My heart goes out to you and I love you.
Michelle and Steve – so, so sorry for your loss. Sending all my love. And know even though I am not there and you can’t see me I am sending you big big hugs! ALL MY LOVE! Cindy
My deepest sympathy to your family at this difficult time….. You will be in my thoughts!
Michelle and Chanelle I am so sorry for your loss. If there is anything you need please let me know!