<< Return to Foundation Focus Page The Power of One Yields Opportunity for Many Bud Westgate crafted not only the artwork he cared so much about, but a community legacy he left for future generations. Bud Westgate understood the importance of working hard and taking advantage of the opportunities that life presented him. Bud passed away this May but not before touching the lives of thousands of people here in West Michigan during his long life. Bud's business training and entrepreneurial stirrings early in his life paid off and led him to create his own company which he named Wesco. He opened his first Wesco gas station in 1952 on Whitehall Road and he worked around the clock to make his business prosper. He believed that hard work and setting goals would lead to success. When Bud retired in 1983 he had grown Wesco to a company with 32 stations. He always believed that you should give the customer a little more than they expect and by doing so people would reward you with their business. Bud's vision and Wesco's growth have proven this to be true. In 2004 Bud decided to create a fund at the Foundation. His philosophy was to give people a hand up and not a hand out. The B.A. Westgate Fund reflects his beliefs and the Fund will be used to make loans to individuals who are pursuing advanced job training or education, and to non-profit organizations that will benefit Muskegon County residents. The Fund will provide opportunities for individuals to realize success in their lives and for organizations to gain assistance in pursuing their missions. True to his principles, Bud made a difference during his lifetime in the way he lived his life. He will continue making a difference and has insured a lasting legacy through the B.A. Westgate Fund. With the assistance of Karen Kayes of the law firm Lague, Newman and Irish, Bud crafted an estate plan that assured that his impact would be felt for years to come. The creative use of trusts will insure that his family's needs will be met and will assure the establishment of the B. A. Westgate Fund. Bud's remarkable contributions to the community will forever be realized through the Fund that honors his name and his memory. << Return to Foundation Focus Page