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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.
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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
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