John William "Bill" West
1936 ~ 2017
John William (Bill) West, loving father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, February 6, 2017. Bill was born in Billings, Montana on August 7, 1936. He attended many Boise Schools including earning credits at Boise State in computer programming. He proudly earned every degree that he ever got.
Bill called the foothills his home due to many days exploring those hills with his 11 sisters and brothers. As a youth, Bill restored antique cars, including a beloved Rio Car with a Rumble Seat. He was an artist, an exceptional writer and had a beautiful singing voice. He sang, danced, and played guitar and trumpet with several bands in his younger days. Bill took gorgeous photos and created unique digital art before its time. He instilled a love of music and art into his children and grandchildren.
Bill married Carole Ann Waits on July 13, 1957 in Winnemucca, NV. They were married by an admitted retired sheepherder that became a judge. Bill says he was a good guy! Along with Carole's support and help, he coached Boise Boys Baseball from 1964-1972.
Bill worked for Home Dairies as a Driver/Salesman. He then worked for Eddy's Bakery for 15 years as a Supervisor/Salesman, where his work took him through parts of Oregon and Idaho where he made lifetime friends. During his travels, every restaurant and food store in the north part of Boise and the Bench knew Bill. He never knew a stranger. He was even featured in an Eddy's Bakery commercial in the 1970's. In 1978 he joined Consolidated Freight Ways and worked there for 20 years as a Freight Rate Clerk and Freight Pricing Specialist. Throughout his career, he remained a proud Western Teamster. He retired in 1998 and enjoyed his art, writing, building, fishing and going for drives in the mountains. He also traveled to his ancestry home of Ireland which he enjoyed immensely.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Carole Ann (Waits) West. He is survived by 4 children, 8 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild, Daughter Brenda Lawrence and her son, Kyle, and daughter Hunter; son Michael West (Whitney), and their daughters, Katie, Shannon and Mickie; daughter Mary (West) McKnight (Ken) and their daughters, Heather (West) Galvin (Nathan), and Hillary (McKnight) Adams (Curtis) and their son Amaris, and daughter Becky West and her son Benjamin. He is survived by two siblings (Carol and Roy) along with many nieces and nephews.
We would like to thank his caretaker and friend Leonise Yates and her husband Veseth, the doctors and nurses at St. Luke's Hospital, and Treasure Valley Hospice for their caring and wonderful service, which allowed Bill to pass away at home while gazing at his beloved foothills with his trusty dog Plato nearby.
In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to one of Bill's favorite organizations. The World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise, Idaho, St. Josephs Indian School, and the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, or a charity of your choice.
Bill touched the lives of many people with his smile, humor and generosity. He will be missed dearly. A Memorial Service will be held at Relyea Funeral Chapel, 318 N Latah St, in Boise, on Saturday, May 13th at 2:00 pm. Following the service, the family will be hosting a celebration of Bill's life at a private residence. All are invited.
Arrangements under direction of the Cremation Society of Idaho. Bill will be interned at Dry Creek Cemetery.