Former California Jewelers Association executive director Robert B. Westover died in his sleep on Sept. 8, the group announced. He was 88.
Westover was hired as executive director of the California Retail Jewelers Association in 1965 and was elected executive vice president in 1973, when CRJA changed its name to CJA. Westover retired in 1989 after 24 years with CJA. In May 1997, Pat O’Rourke, then-CJA executive director, suffered a stroke, and Westover returned to the CJA as interim Executive Director in her absence.
The CJA established the prestigious Robert B. Westover GIA Scholarship in 1998, which is awarded annually. That same year, CJA created the Robert B. Westover Distinguished Service Award for an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the jewelry industry.
Westover is survived by his wife, Helen Westover; his niece, Nancy K. Austin; and his nephew, Chris Westover. Burial at Forest Lawn Cemetery will be private. The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the California Jewelers Association’s Robert B. Westover Scholarship Fund.