He served in the US Army during World War II, was a member of the Lutheran Church, the Freemasons and the Shriners. He was born in the Hilltopneighborhood in Columbus on South Highland Avenue and lived in that area throughout his life. As an adult, he lived in a two-story home located at 3300 West Broad Street, where he also owned a small motel and glass business for many years. The property was later sold, and the vacant land behind it was converted to self-storage units, and the motel units were converted to small offices. He died on December 9, 1978.
"The Battle For City Hall: Columbus; National Affairs". Time Magazine. Vol. 76, no. 20. New York City. November 16, 1959. p. 31.
"Former Mayor M. E. Sensenbrenner Regains the Office of Columbus Mayor, Defeating Incumbent Mayor Westlake; Republicans Retain Their 6-1 Majority On City Council". The Columbus Dispatch. Columbus, Ohio. November 6, 1963. p. 1A.
"Funeral Is Set For Former Columbus Mayor W. Ralston Westlake, 71, Who Died of a Heart Attack At Mt. Carmel Hospital". The Columbus Dispatch. Columbus, Ohio. December 11, 1978. p. 8B.
St. Clair, Duane (December 29, 1963). "Accomplishments of the Administration of Columbus Mayor Westlake Are Summarized; Are Said to Outweigh His Mistakes". The Columbus Dispatch. Columbus, Ohio. p. 33A.