Keith West

Keith peacefully passed away March 14, 2014 in his home, surrounded by his family.  He was born August 31, 1916 in Soda Springs, Idaho to Clarence J. and Veda Ann Nelson West.  Keith grew up in Soda Springs and had a great love and fond memories of that area throughout his life.  His family moved to Ogden, Utah when he was 12 years old.

He married his sweetheart, Helen Child West, in September 1938.  Their vows were solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.  They loved and laughed for 68 wonderful years.  He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings.

Keith designed and built their home in Syracuse, with Helen by his side, in ten months.  He drew the plans on a sheet of paper and built all of it with his own hands.  This home was to be the place of many wonderful memories.

As a young man, Keith joined the Civilian Conservation Corps. He worked in the fire department of the Naval Base in Clearfield for 17 years and became the first Fire Chief in Syracuse.  He later retired from R.C. Willey’s.

His interests included working in his garden and yard, tending over 100 rose bushes, as well as fishing, golfing, boating, water-skiing, snow-skiing, hunting and camping.  Keith and Helen had the opportunity to travel to many places, including Alaska, Hawaii, Holland, Germany, Austria, Caribbean Islands, Bermuda, Jamaica, and the Mexican Riviera.  Of all the places that they traveled, their favorite place to be was their back porch, surrounded by family and friends.  He adored his grand-children and great grand-children and they all loved him.

He is survived by his daughter, Rhonda (Dana) Pickard, two daughters-in-law, Linda (Dennis) and Kathie (Larry), 13 grandchildren, and 30 great-grandchildren, and his sister, Wanda Bjorkman Hanks.  He was preceded in death by his sweetheart, Helen, his two sons, Dennis and Larry, one still-born son, and one great-grandson, Bryce Ryan Martin, one sister, and four brothers.

The family would like to thank Stefanie, Dawn, and Rhonda from Legacy Hospice and Paula from Comfort Keepers for all their great care and kindness.

A service celebrating Keith’s life will be held Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at 11 a.m. at the LDS Huckleberry Ward, 1285 South 2500 West, Syracuse, UT.  Friends may visit with family Tuesday, March 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road and Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.

Interment, Syracuse City Cemetery.