Charles B West

Charles (Chuck) West, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed on December 30, 2017 at the celebrated age of 96. Chuck was born in Spokane, Washington in 1921 to Charles and Dorothy West. He grew up with his sister and cousins in Beaverton, Oregon, attending Beaverton High School and going on to Oregon State University where he played alto saxophone in the ROTC marching band. Chuck served in the Navy as a Machinist’s Mate 1st Class on the aircraft carrier, USS Bonhomme Richard, during World War II. He completed his Bachelor’s in Science in General Science, minor in Physics at OSU following the war.

Chuck met Delores (Dee) West, on a blind date in 1948, falling in love with her and her beautiful girls. Chuck and Dee married and began raising their family in Portland, Oregon. They moved to Bellevue, Washington in 1955, and together raised their six children – Julie, Theresa, Steven, Jean, Daniel, and Christine.

Chuck worked as a salesman with Allen Electric selling automotive test equipment. He was always a hard worker and studied to obtain his Professional Engineers License. He landed his dream job and a long career at Boeing as an electrical engineer until his retirement in 1987. After dad retired he did a lot of volunteer work for Sacred Heart Church setting up their computer systems. He was a member of and wrote newsletters for the Boeing computer club.

Our family is very blessed. No matter what was happening in our lives, good or bad, our dad was there for us in so many ways. He was so generous with his love, time, and words of encouragement. Whatever we needed help with, he was there with selfless generosity. “How can I help” he would always say. The love and support that dad and our mom, Dee, had for each other and shared with others was an inspiration to their family.

Chuck enjoyed bridge, golf, photography, home slide shows, Ham radio, travel adventures, humming birds, fishing, music, and gardening! He was a people person and made friends easily; he was loved and respected by so many. We are especially grateful to his companion Therese Greenheck, whose love and friendship added much joy to Dad’s life and whom we grew to love. We are also very grateful for his caregiver, friend and companion for several years, Shirley Lampkin. Her dedication to him was a huge blessing. He loved her and we can’t thank you enough, Shirley.

Chuck was preceded in death by his wife, Dee, in 2011. He is survived by his sister, Suz Tessein, his children, Julie Pickett, Theresa Jones, Steven West, Jean Lindstrom, Daniel West, and Christine White, his 17 grandchildren, and 33 great grandchildren (with 34 on the way)!

A memorial will be held Saturday, January 13th at 1:30pm at his home, The Gardens at Town Square, 933 111th Ave NE, Bellevue, Washington, with a reception following.