William West

William E. West (Bill) of Kalamazoo passed away on March 23, 2011. Mr. West was born January 6, 1927, in Battle Creek , MI. He was the son of Luther and Beatrice Ryan West, the 3rd of 6 children, Bill grew up on a farm in Baseline, MI where he attended a one room school. At age 12, he and his family moved to Marquette, MI. His father was an Arts and Science professor at Northern Michigan University. Bill met the love of his life, Lois Splinter, at the KC dance hall where they danced every Friday night. Bill was drafted into the Army in 1945 and then pursued a degree in Chemistry from Albion College. He and Lois were married his Senior year on June 12, 1948 and moved to Kalamazoo ion 1950 where they raised their family. Both of their sons were active in Boy Scouts and Bill volunteered his time as a Boy Scout commissioner. His hobbies were gardening, table tennis playing and competition and playing the piano. Bill worked as a Chemist in quality control and production planning for the UpJohn Chemical Company for 37 years. During this time he earned a Masters degree in Chemistry from Western Michigan University. Music has always been an important part of his life. In the Army he played piano for the officers club and French horn in the marching band. Later he taught piano to over 30 students. He was a member of the Mall City Chorus and sang in quartets. He served as President and received the 'man of the year' award at that time. As a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church, he sang in the choir, was a Sunday School teacher and volunteered his time generously. Bill and Lois built many memories with their children camping cross-country with their Apache trailer. Later in life they enjoyed time spent at their Park model home on Lake Monterey at Sandy Pines in Allegan County, MI and winters in Tucson, AZ. Times with friends and family reunions were treasured events. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 63 years, Lois, his children Jim (Karen Prinzmetal), Kathryn (Bob) Brandt, and Donald (Kristin Miner), his grandchildren, Joshua, Andrew and Matthew Brandt, Sarah and Lauren West; his siblings, Alice West, Betsey (Bob) Dahlgren, David (Betty) West; his brother-in-law, Donald MacVean; sister-in-law Dorothy (Doug) Vanerka and many nieces and nephews. His was predeceased by his parents,brother Richard,sister-in-law June (Kirby) West and sister Ruth MacVean. Loved ones will remember Bill for his kindness, gentleness, reliability, and quiet nature. " May the music of Bill West's life forever live in our hearts."