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(July 09, 2020) - Hubert “Bud” West, age 86,
was called peacefully home to heaven on Monday, July 6, following an
extended struggle with bulbar onset ALS. He spent his final ten weeks at
home, surrounded by loving family (physically and virtually), friends
and caregivers.
Bud was born on November 6, 1933, in Crystal
Falls, to Aval and Lillian (Villeneuve) West. He graduated from Crystal
Falls High School in 1951. He joined the Navy in 1952 where he served
four years of active duty followed by four years in the Navel Reserves.
He was honorably discharged in 1960.
While stationed at Quonset
Point, Rhode Island, Bud met Rita Plouffe, the love of his life. They
were married in Lowell, Massacheussetts on January 15, 1956. Upon
returning to Crystal Falls, he went into business with his father Aval
at West’s Mobil Service until selling the business in 1968. He and his
family moved to Lake Havasu City, Arizona for 1-1/2 years. They then
moved back to Crystal Falls and Bud entered into the businesses of real
estate & financial investments. In 1996 Bud officially retired, selling
the real estate office to his son Kenneth.
Bud was very involved
as a member of his local church and in many community organizations and
events. As a longtime member of United Lutheran Church he served as
Council President, Chair of Church Properties and was a member of the
Senior Choir. He is a past member of the Crystal Falls City Council and
Charter Commission.
As a very active member of the Crystal Falls
Lions Club, he served as President for two terms, and was the proud
recipient of the 2004 Iron County Volunteer Award, the 2005 Lion’s Club
Citizen of the Year and the Lion’s Club International Melvin Jones
Fellowship Award.
He was a longtime member of the Crystal
Falls-Iron River Masonic Lodge #385, St. Vincent de Paul Society, the
American Legion & VFW Auxiliary, and the Crystal Falls Men’s Golf Club.
Other past memberships included the Crystal Falls Volunteer Fire
Department, Forest Park School Board, Iron County Economic Development
Corporation, Ducks Unlimited Banquet Committee, Crystal Falls Downtown
Business Association, Crystal Falls Museum Society, Iron County Chamber
of Commerce (serving as Board of Director’s President twice), Crystal
Falls Centennial Committee, and the Men’s Bowling Association.
Bud enjoyed hunting, “putzing,” projects and spending time with “the
other woman in his life”…the “Finnlady” Swamp Camp, where many good
memories were made with family & friends!
Bud loved his family
with his whole heart and is survived by Rita West, his wife of 64 years,
his son, Kenneth (Vicki) West, and daughter, Kim (Patrick) Olson all
from Crystal Falls; daughter, Karrie Fabri of Norman Oklahoma; his
brother, Ray of Gilbert, Arizona; and several beloved nieces, nephews
and cousins. He was the proud grandpa of six granddaughters, Summer
Olson, Krystle (Andy) Sikora, Samantha (Dan) Shuck, Emily (Zach) Tarter,
Amy (Tim) Wheeler, Rachel West (Sean Bocek) and one grandson, Michael
Fabri. And the icing on his cake came in the form of seven
great-grandchildren, David, Bekah, Jacob and Lizzie Tarter and Claire,
Sara and Hazel Sikora.
He was preceded in death by his parents
Aval and Lillian.
Bud and Rita have been blessed beyond measure
with wonderful friends and family, near and far, who have added so much
joy to their lives! The family would also like to thank the VA Community
Living Center staff, Dickinson County Home Care, Carlyn Raduechel, Kathy
Miatech and Jerry Nowak (Almost Family) for excellent, above and beyond
care! "We truly could not have kept Dad at home without you!"
Due
to Covid-19 concerns, there will be a drive-by visitation held on
Thursday, July 16, 2020, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Runkle Lake Park in
Crystal Falls. Signage and directions will be given when entering the
Park. Private family services will take place Friday, July 17, at the
United Lutheran Church in Crystal Falls. Pastor David Johnson will
officiate. Honorary pallbearers will be Ron Dove, Chris West, Doug Dove,
Jeff West, and Dylan West. Burial will be at Evergreen Memorial
Cemetery.
The Memorial service will be livestreamed at 10:00 AM
(CST) Friday, July 17, on the Facebook page of United Lutheran Church of
Crystal Falls.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the
Crystal Falls Lions Club, P.O. Box 144, Crystal Falls, MI 49920, or St.
Vincent DePaul, 136 Superior Ave., Crystal Falls, MI 49920, or the
United Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 390, Crystal Falls, MI 49920.
Condolences may be expressed to the family of H. Bud West at:
www.nashfuneralhome.net
More information can be found on how to access the livestreamed
memorial service online at:
www.nashfuneralhome.net
The family has entrusted Nash Funeral
Home and Cremation Services of Crystal Falls with arrangements.
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