He was born on June 6, 1937 in Bridgeport, Neb. to Ira Raymond West and Helen Lillian Richardson West.
He was raised and attended schools in Scottsbluff, Neb., where he served in the Marine Corps Reserves. He graduated from Scottsbluff High School in the class of 1956. He was united in marriage to Betty Jane Leis on June 5, 1964 in Scottsbluff, Neb. He operated an aerial spraying business in Nebraska before becoming a partner in OWL Flying in Pendleton. He acquired Coons Flying Service in Echo and moved the family there in 1973, eventually renaming the business West Flying Service. He owned and operated the family’s agricultural aerial spraying business for many years. He enjoyed flying, snowmobiling and traveling with family and friends.
He is survived by his sons, Gary West, Hermiston and Ronald and Dean West, Echo; granddaughter, Suzanna Schuck, Portland; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty West; his parents; brothers Don, Jack and Clyde West; and sisters Mildred Carpenter, Mary West, Betty Wedell and June Fiester.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2017 at 10 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Hermiston.
Burial will follow at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Please sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
