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Phillip West Obituary
Phillip Gordon West was born on January 27, 1985 to Edward and Mimie West. He attended El Centro and Donaldson Way Schools, Silverado Middle School and graduated from Vintage High School in June 2003. Phillip loved football, and also played for Vintage High School's football team. He worked as a Life Guard for two years at the American Canyon pool, teaching many local children to swim. After graduating from high school, Phillip wanted to serve his country by joining the Marines. He graduated from Boot Camp, then Infantry School, deploying to Iraq in June 2004. Once in Iraq, Phillip achieved the Rank of Lance Corporal. He believed the Marines were the best. He received three accommodations for heroic behavior in the first two months that he was in Iraq. Many Marines are alive today, because Lance Corporal West was in Iraq.
Phillip is survived by his Father Ed, Mother Mimie, Brother Kyle and Sister Megan all of American Canyon; Grandmother, Janie West and Grandfather, Bill West of Weed; Aunt Tina and Uncle Bill Kramer and two cousins, Bryan and Tiffany Kramer of American Canyon and Great Aunt Shirley Harlan of Clifton Hill, Mo. He was preceded in death by his Uncle Doug West, Aunt Virginia Wilcox, Great Aunt Mary West, Great Grandma and Grandpa West and Great Grandpa Trimble.
Funeral Services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, December 4, 2004 at the American Canyon Gymnasium, 100 Benton Way, American Canyon. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 1st from 3 to 8 p.m. and Thursday and Friday, December 2, and 3rd from noon to 8 p.m. at Richard Pierce Funeral Service, 1660 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94559.
Memorial donations should be directed to Lance Corporal Phillip Gordon West Memorial Fund-To support Youth Services in the City of American Canyon, C/O West America Bank, Account number 0315130054.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Phillip West
Harry Simpson
January 7, 2024
Saepe Expertus, Semper Fidelis, Fratres Aeterni. Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever. Thank you LCPL Phillip for your service and sacrifice this nation. U.S. Marine Corps, Iraq. KIA. Purple Heart recipient. Forever 19 years of age. So go you now Phillip to a place only heroes see.
Mimie West
September 9, 2019
I miss you so very much! I'm so proud of you, still. I know we'll be together one day. I hope your brother and dad are some comfort to you. I tell your story often. Love, Mom
September 24, 2013
In memory & honor of Phillip West who gave his life for our country. We will always be indebted to him.
Ricky Wilcox
February 18, 2012
Its has been eight years sence our family lost phillip i was eleven years old and i can never get the last time i seen my cousin at the community center im american canyon and he is my biggest hero and he made the biggest sacrifice for his family and his country i just hope i will be able to fill his shoes i love and miss you cousin
Peggy Childers
November 19, 2011
To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Phillip G. West:
Please accept my remembrance of Phillip on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
November 19, 2010
To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Phillip G. West:
Remembering Phillip on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Matthew Sollars - USMC
March 2, 2010
Semper Fidelis, brother. You truly have never been forgotten. Every time I hear "Taps" (just as I did in bootcamp every night at 2100), I remember you and your sacrifice. Thank you for all the motivation.
Kenna Larra
August 22, 2009
”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,750 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Gina Zanussi
May 25, 2009
God bless you and your family this Memorial Day and thank you sincerely for your service and sacrifice. You aren't forgotten.
D J Sims
May 25, 2009
Phillip
I tried to give you some inspirational words of how I am feeling about your loss this Memorial Day weekend. Know that you are so loved and so missed each and every day. I honor you and all of our Heroes today and every day. Your sacrifice for our freedoms will never be forgotten, EVER.
Peggy Childers
November 21, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Phillip G. West:
Phillip gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Elisa Reynozo
August 1, 2008
USAgeocoins is sponsoring an activity which is taking place through Geocaching.com. I am a cacher and have been proud to carry a coin in honor of Lance Cpl. Phillip G. West. The coin will be a tribute to his bravery and courage he fought while in battle. It will move all over the world, paying tribute to him.
May he Rest in Peace and God Bless his family.
Thank you Lance Cpl. Phillip G. West for making a sacrifice for us, the American people. I admire and respect you. God's blessings to you every day.
D J Sims
May 25, 2008
Phillip, thinking of you and your family on this Memorial Day Weekend. I thank you for your service to our country and your sacrifice for our continued freedom. You are never far from my thoughts and prayers. I know you are watching over all your military brothers and sisters. May you continue to rest in peace knowing that you are loved and missed not only by your family and friends, but also by your extended military family.
John Hart
May 23, 2008
My deepest sympathies to your family. Dr. Hart
April 21, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Lance Cpl West!
Peter Dejesus
February 19, 2008
I LOVE YOU PHILLIP I MISS YOU SO MUCH MAY GOD HELP ALL OF US AND GIVE US THE STRENGTH HE GAVE YOU PHILLIP. HE WAS MY BEST FRIEND AND WILL ALWAYS BE MY BEST FRIEND. I WILL NEVER FORGET HIM AND HOW GREAT HE WAS. THANKS TO HIM AND ALL THE OTHER BRAVE SOLDIERS WHO SACRIFICED THEIR LIVES FOR OUR COUNTRY. I HAVE SO MUCH TO SAY AND HEAR FROM PHILLIP, I MISS YOU BRO. GOD BLESS ALL YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS WE'LL SEE YOU SOON, LOVE YOU
August 13, 2007
There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
July 14, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Lance Cpl West and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Aunt of a Lance Cpl deploying soon
Linda Flannery
June 3, 2007
Honoring the memory of this brave young Marine. May your family find comfort in their loving memories, and may time heal their wounds. Know that all of America shares in your sorrow and in your pride. My flag flies in your honor.
Marine Mom
Manny Lopez
November 30, 2006
To The West Family,
May the supreme sacrifice of your beloved son Philip bring lasting peace and freedom to the Iraqi people. We salute this American hero who valiantly defended the faith and our way of life. God Bless America !
R. Linn
November 19, 2006
Phillip - you are not forgotten, but sorely missed.
Semper Fidelis,
Garnet Jenkins
November 18, 2006
Paying tribute to this Young Hero, Lance Cpl. Phillip G. West, on this 2nd anniversary of the day he gave his life for our Country and for Freedom.
Rest Well Phillip in the Hands of God.
You will never be forgotten.
You have paid the Ultimate Price for so many.
Along with my 19 year young brother, whom we lost in Vietnam, you will always be loved and missed by everyone whose life you touched.
"I will lift up my eyes to the hills-
from whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth."
Psalm 121:1-2
May the memories of Phillip, live in your heart always.
I am deeply sorry for your loss.
October 25, 2006
October 25, 2006
October 25, 2006
RIP Phillip
October 25, 2006
David Pritchett
October 24, 2006
Phillip,
It's been almost a year since i've seen ya, just know that everyone in this platoon that was with you still thinks about you and misses you, it hurts me that you aren't here with us now but bro like i said we'll never forget you!!!
Henryk Zaleski (USN-Ret)
July 27, 2006
Rest in peace at your last post in paradise.
Patricia Perkins-Kard
May 8, 2006
To the parents and family of Phillip Gordon West:
I can only imagine what you and your family have gone through since being notified of the death of Phillip. And as you grieve for him, I want you to know that you are not alone. Hearts of parents all over are grieving with you.
You are living the nightmare of every parent who has a child serving his country. I know this time is a difficult one in which no words can express how you feel, just as no words can express how much I feel for you and your family. But know that God above carried your son home and said, "an awesome job well done."
The path your son chose to follow has not ended.
But he now walks in a different place. Not one of war and heartache but one of happiness and eternal peace. His life will continue to touch your family, his marine family and anyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His life reflected his love for his family, his country, his Marine brothers and his compassion for those who do not know the meaning of freedom. His life is an inspiration and should be an example that we all follow and honor. Phillip has not left you, just moved on.
I wish that I could ease your pain and sadness, but it will be a long, slow and painful climb. Pain this deep will never go entirely away, but I pray that as each day that passes the hurt becomes a little less. And the memories of a lifetime will sustain you. The memories are your keepsake that can never be taken away. God has Phillip in his keeping, but you have him forever in your thoughts and hearts.
I hope that your memories of Christopher will shine through the sadness. I will continue to pray for you and your family.
Patricia Perkins – Kard
Proud mother of a US Marine
"Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow,
may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow."
" He is like the wind. You can not see him...but you will always feel him"
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
April 3, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the West family in the loss of Phillip. I did not know Phillip, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. Phillip it has been 16 months since you were taken. You are a hero and you will never be forgotten. My heart was touched by the many wonderful things written about you and the moving tribute.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
LISA WILCOX
November 16, 2005
Ed, Mim, Kyle & Megan...
Our thoughts are always with you guys, even though as cousins we dont spend nearly enough time together, that needs to change. Every time I think about Phillip I cry for you and how I cant imagine the saddness in your heart. It makes me keep Joe and Ricky even closer to me. I will always remember the christmas at your house when Joe was about 6. He followed Phillip around all day and night, and when most teenagers would've thought "how do I get rid of this kid" Phillip was so nice to him. My son must have asked him the same question a million times, I cant remember exactly what it was but even i got tired of hearing it.
But not Phillip he took a deep breath and repeated his answer over and over again, not once raising his voice. I often thought that his patience would lead him to a career with children in it. Well needless to say Phillip went on to bigger better things when he enlisted. He died doing exactly what made him the proudest of americans, and that in itself is something most of us can only dream of. So god bless all of you for giving our family its very own hero, im only sorry that the price he had to pay to be a hero, is a pain that you can never relieve.
Edward West
November 13, 2005
I am Phillip's father and as we approach the one year mark since his death, I am sad, but also enligtened at the many stories I have heard since this happened. Stories of Phillip bringing light hearted laughter to his friends and his unit, stories from thre people that would not be here today had he not been in Iraq, he saved their lives while there. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers and please realize that we cherish them.
Victor Rivera
July 5, 2005
Philip,
You paid the ultimate sacrifice for your beliefs and love of your country. Your loss to our community has unified our small town. You will be missed and your dedication and honor inspire the rest of us who live here to do more to support all the others who are serving and defending our country. God Bless you.
Jenny Lang
December 18, 2004
I am so sorry to hear about you son. He was a hero. My prayers are with you and your family
Kortnie Bell
December 5, 2004
I'm sorry to hear about your loss. It is extremely sad to see someone we all grow up with pass on at such a young age. It is great to know we have people like Phillip serving and supporting our country and I am honored to say that I knew him.
Catherine Sowders
December 5, 2004
To The West Family,
My family and I currently moved to Kentucky from American Canyon, Ca. We are good friends with the Schmidts and my brother was a friend of Phillips. My brother (Steven Bell) graduated with Phillip. We were sadden by the new of Phillip, but proud he was serving our country. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, as well as all the other troops.
Sincerley,
Steve and Cathy Sowders
Michelle Boot
December 4, 2004
To Phillip's Family and loved ones, My thoughts and prayers are with you always. I cannot begin to tell you the void I feel in what has happened. Or can I understand the loss you are feeling. We knew Philip through American Canyon Little League where he played baseball with our son. My boys didn't attend school with him but they rememeber him and will never forget him because of the Heroic actions he took by joining the service so we could have the freedom we enjoy today. May God Bless him and all of you.
Deborah Martino
November 28, 2004
God bless Phillip and your entire family
Jim & Barb Ring
November 28, 2004
We are saddened by your loss and hope that the support of your friends and community will be of some comfort to you at this sad time.
Susan Hall
November 27, 2004
Dear Family and Friends of Phillip West,
Although I did not have the opportunity to meet Phillip, I am sadded to hear of his passing away while serving our country for the freedoms we have come to enjoy and love.
Phillip's passing has reminded me of how precious life really is and how quickly it can be taken away. His untimely death has caused me to reflect on my love ones and to think "Geez, this could have been my nephew or son." How would I have felt if this had been my loved one who had passed away while serving our country?
Phillip graduated with my nephew, Jamie Sowders at Vintage High School this past June. I don't know if Jamie knew Phillip but for some reason I feel a connection to Phillip. Perhaps it is because Phillip's death has brought the war in Iraq that much closer to home.
Phillip wasn't just a person who enlisted in the service to serve our country. He was a neighbor, a classmate, a member of the soccer team or little league team in our community. He was a son, a nephew, a brother, a grandchild, a friend and a hero. Someone who we all should be very proud of.
Words do not adequately express to you my deepest sympathy. But I hope that some how you can find comfort and peace in knowing that there are other people in our community who feel your pain.
I pray that you find strength in the courage Phillip had for his country.
Sincerely,
Fred and Re Sowders
November 27, 2004
May God comfort you as only He can. We truly honor your loved one. He gave his life that we might continue living in the land of 'Freedoms'. God Bless you Phillip.
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