NORTH MUSKEGON, Mich. -- Basil A. "Bud" Westgate of Fruitland Township, Mich., founder of what became the Wesco chain of gas stations, died last week at age 89, reported the Muskegon Chronicle.
Born in Newaygo, Mich., Westgate founded the business in March 1952 with one service station, Westgate Refinery Outlet (pictured). The North Muskegon, Mich.-based company opened its first convenience store in 1978 and had had acquired 32 stations by the time he retired in 1983, according to the company's website.
His sons, James and Gerald, [image-nocss] continued to operate and expand the Wesco chain, which grew to 53 convenience/gas stations and 850 employees by 2000, said the report.
The brothers remain co-presidents of the organization, the newspaper added.
An avid outdoorsman, hunter and fisherman, Westgate suffered a heart attack while on a trout fishing trip in Canada, according to the report.
In addition to her and the two sons, Westgate is survived by his wife, two sons and two daughters.
CSP Daily News extends condolences to his family, his friends and his colleagues.
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