Donald West Obituary

Donald L. West, 81, long time San Luis Opispo County resident, died from complications of Parkinson's Disease Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, at his daughter's home. Don was born in Las Vegas, N.M., to Earl and Iva Lou West. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and then used to GI Bill to study architecture at Texas Tech and the University of New Mexico. In the course of his professional career he designed over 500 buildings across the United States. His work ranged from large professional and educational facilities to highly personal and exquisite homes. In addition to his passion for art, architecture and beautiful design, Don loved cooking and he was also a national equestrian endurance riding champion. Don was preceded in death by his daughters Sydney and Leslie; and is survived by his brother, Eugene; sisters Norma, Sanda and Deborah; daughter, Erin Moira West; and faithful dog, Jack. No public service is planned. Donations in Don's honor should be made to Parkinson's Disease research.

Published by San Luis Obispo County Tribune on Jan. 26, 2014.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald West

Not sure what to say?





2 Entries

I started my career working for Don and remember him as a patient teacher. I also remember how passionate he would get when he would describe the desecration of one of his projects. I remember having a conversation with someone else in the office and laughing at the name of the Hawaii state fish. Overhearing us he came out of his office and asked us to repeat the name of the fish. After I repeated Humuhumunukunukuapuaa he smiled pulled up his pant leg revealing a fish tatoo and said "You mean this?"
I remember the time he left his little Honda Prelude parked in the horse pasture while he was out riding his horse. When he came back from his ride the other horses has licked and chewed his car all over to get the salt off of it. He was so disgusted with the horses and with himself for being lazy and leaving his car in the pasture.
Another fond memory of Don. He and his partner Don Doubledee were coming back from a project meeting with Doubledee in the passenger seat watching the scenery. He spotted a house that he thought particularly attractive and commented on it to West. Without missing a beat West said "Thank you", as the house was one of his design.
I fondly remember Don as a man of kindness and passion.

Todd Hansen

January 27, 2014

I have known Don for decades and had the honor to work with him. His passing is truly a loss to our profession and I will always remember and honor those days I had the opportunity to be a part of his talented ways.

Craig Smith

January 26, 2014

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Make a Donation
in Donald West's name

Memorial Events
for Donald West

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Donald's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Donald West's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more