In Loving Memory of Derek Colclough

Westlake Consultants pays tribute to a remarkable person who was not just our colleague but a cherished friend and mentor, Derek Colclough, who passed away September 2, 2024.

A native of England, Derek grew up primarily on the Africa continent. He joined Westlake in 1996 after over 30 years of surveying experience in the Middle East, Africa, South America, Europe, and the United States. His expertise included surveying for industrial and manufacturing clients, as well as for telecommunications, oil exploration, and transmission projects.

Derek was instrumental in developing our Industrial Measurement Division (IMD) to provide an ultra-precise level of survey accuracy for industries such as manufacturing, hi-tech, pulp and paper production, fabrication, and the shipbuilding/marine industry.

Founding Principal Judi Haney credits Derek with the birth of IMD at Westlake, sharing that “Derek was a visionary!”

She recalls that Derek came to her after joining the firm with the idea of developing a market that, at the time, was not being offered by the Surveying profession. He recognized there was an unmet need for survey measurement which was precise well beyond the normal tolerances being achieved with conventional instrumentation and techniques.

Judi shares “he worked on traditional surveying duties during the day and spent long evening hours researching markets, contacting potential clients, sending e-mails and making phone calls to find those specialized clients in need of his vision to provide millimeter accuracy for construction, retrofit and layout. And . . . the Industrial Measurement Division was born.”

His pursuit of implementing the IMD department played a crucial role in shaping Westlake’s profile as a leader and innovator in the survey field.

As the Director of IMD, Derek oversaw program development, training, quality assurance, and marketing. He forged long-term relationships with clients who appreciated the innovative approaches Westlake developed to solve complex measurement issues. Often these issues were unique, requiring Westlake’s IMD team to provide a one-off, out-of-the-box solution. His advocacy for new technologies resulted in Westlake adopting 3D laser scanning well before other survey firms in the Pacific Northwest.

Westlake Principal Chris Kaleikilo, who is now our Director of Industrial Measurement, recognizes the oversized impact Derek had on him as he started his surveying career. Chris shares, “Derek was a great mentor, but at the end of the day, he was a great man. I was very fortunate to not only work under the tutelage of a man who saw things outside the box, but one who also allowed me to be a part of his family and his personal life.”

Derek was named an Associate Principal in 2006 and retired in 2013. He continued to occasionally lend his expertise to our team for several more years, and he and his beloved wife, Janalee, were welcome guests at Westlake gatherings.

Derek, with his British accent and cagey sense of humor, was loved by everyone. He cherished his family first and foremost and would entertain us with stories about the antics and achievements of his grandsons.

Judi Haney adds “Here is something I bet many don’t know about Derek – he was a wonderful poet, and all his poems were written in calligraphy by hand. Derek was a man with a heart and soul and the generosity to share them both. I am a better person today for having shared his friendship in my life.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with Derek’s family and loved ones. We extend our deepest condolences and support to them. Rest in peace, Derek. You will be greatly missed.