Chris Westwood: A Legacy on the Water and in Whitehall
Chris Westwood, who has died aged 82, was a man whose life was defined by an unwavering passion for sailing and a steadfast career in the civil service. His journey began in a homemade Mirror dinghy, where he honed his skills in reclaiming boats and became a regular racer on the River Medway in Kent.
Teaching and Club Leadership
His expertise in sailing techniques did not go unnoticed. From 1975, for a decade, Chris taught evening classes funded by the Inner London Education Authority at the Deptford Sailing Centre in south London, all while maintaining his role as a civil servant. He was an active member of numerous sailing clubs along the River Thames and Medway, notably serving as dinghy captain and secretary at the Greenwich Yacht Club. It was here that he met his future wife in 1988.
Chris also demonstrated a compassionate side, supporting disabled individuals by helping them sail on the tideway. Later, he contributed as a committee member at the Erith Yacht Club. Despite claiming he wasn't competitive, he loved racing to win and enjoyed cruising along England's east coast. He was a tower of strength, encouraging female friends to build careers and pursue sailing in the face of widespread misogyny in the sport.
Early Life and Education
Born in Pembury, Kent, Chris was the son of Maude (nee Peppiatt), a journalist, and Lindsey Westwood, a lab technician at Guy's hospital dental department. After the second world war, he attended Chislehurst and Sidcup grammar school. In 1962, he began studying economics and English at Sheffield University but was "asked to leave" due to his dedication as a student union journalist, spending much time reviewing plays and gigs at the expense of lectures.
Civil Service Career
Chris joined the library of the Ministry of Transport in 1966, later moving to the Department of Environment before returning to Transport. His work involved special load routes, HGV licensing for drivers, operators' and transport tribunals, and liaising with trade unions and Irish and European counterparts. His sharp intellect and pragmatism led him to the Highways Agency (now National Highways), where he managed key road schemes for London, including improvements to the A12 and A13, and the ultimately abandoned East London River Crossing, first proposed in the 1970s and dropped in the 1990s.
Retirement and Personal Interests
Chris and his wife married in 2018. He welcomed early retirement at age 52 in 1995, during the civil service downsizing planned under Margaret Thatcher, which allowed more time for sailing. Beyond the water, he loved reading, gardening, jazz, and was an obsessive collector of marine paintings, books, and ephemera.
Health and Final Years
In his later years, Chris faced numerous health issues, often finding medication and check-ups tedious as they interfered with "life." He defied the odds multiple times, surprising medical staff with his endurance and determination. Ultimately, he bravely decided to refuse treatment that could extend his life, prioritizing independence—a goal he achieved. He is survived by his wife.
