Brian Mark Westlake

Brian Mark Westlake

Iowa City

Brian Mark Westlake died at home on October 18, 2024, after an eight-month fight against cancer. He was surrounded by his family and of course, his faithful canine companion, Parker. He maintained his wonderful sense of humor during his illness which helped others cope.

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 9, 2024, at Pleasant Valley Golf Course (4390 Sand Road SE, Iowa City, IA 52440) from 4-7 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to https://gofund.me/42a853e5 for support of the family and a memorial.

Brian was born on August 10, 1969, in Muscatine, the son of Mark and Lynn (Schwartz) Westlake. He attended and graduated from Muscatine High School where he was (in Brian’s words) an “elite athlete.” He held the career scoring record in basketball for many years. He went on to play basketball for Kirkwood Community College (single-season and career scoring records) and then for South Dakota State and the Iowa Hawkeyes Men’s Basketball Gray Squad. He played for many years in the summer Prime Time basketball league, usually being the first one chosen after the active college players.

On September 18, 1998, Brian married Jennifer (Jen) Colgan at St. Mary Catholic Church in Iowa City. Brian and Jen were the proud parents of son, Carter, and daughter, Anderson (Andie) Westlake. Brian was very proud of his son, Carter, and daughter, Andie, and spent a lot of bleacher time watching them play.

Brian was a graduate of the University of Iowa and worked in benefits management for several companies before being disabled by his cancer. He was an avid walker and could be seen walking through City Park or along the Iowa River with his dog at his side. Brian enjoyed spending time with Jen and his family, playing golf with friends, coaching his children’s baseball or basketball teams, working in his immaculate yard and gardens, flower shopping with Jen, and watching NBA games.

To say that Brian was an avid Phish fan would be an understatement. He attended over 160 concerts with many friends who shared a love of Phish. Jen made sure they had a Phish groom’s cake at their wedding and went with him to many of the concerts as well.

Brian was a true friend to many and devoted to his family. His sense of humor and ability to recall many lines from movies and TV shows – in addition to numerous “Westlake originals” – kept others constantly laughing.

Brian is survived by his wife, Jen, and their children, Carter and Andie, both of Iowa City; his parents, Mark and Lynn of Iowa City; his sister, Kris (Mike) Bevelacqua of Iowa City; his uncles: Daryle Schwartz (daughter Sarah and cousins, Gemma and River) and Alan Schwartz; aunt Margie (Paul) Vorwerk; mother-in-law, Mary Colgan and father-in-law, Richard (Dianna) Colgan; and other extended family. He was very close to his nieces: Katie (Bryan) Goldsmith (children, Blake and Drew), Hayden Bevelacqua, and Finley Bevelacqua; brother-in-law, Brian Colgan; and his sisters-in-law, Lisa (John) Addington (children, Nathaniel and Joshua) and Megan Colgan (children, Wyatt and Mia). His extended non-family is huge consisting of many friends from his sports teams, concerts, and from just living life.

Brian wrote a beautiful obituary for his first springer spaniel, Webber. After talking about their many walks together, he closed it with, “It was a helluva run.” Brian’s life was too short, but “It was a helluva run!” “Blaze On!”

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.lensingfuneral.com.