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Gary West Obituary
71 Entries
Charles DC Carnes
February 14, 2023
My condolences Gary ws an inspiration to me way back n still is. R.I.P. my guitar hero.
Harry Simpson
November 15, 2018
Godspeed "Speedy", and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
carolyn & Jerry Hughes
November 14, 2015
So very sorry. God Bless!!!!!
February 24, 2014
I hadn't been to Friends for several years and just learned of Speedy's passing. His playing gave me a lot joy. I am saddened to learn he is gone. My sincere belated condolences to his family and friends.
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Erin Christian
January 18, 2012
I was sad to hear of the loss of such a talented musician and wonderful person.
We met Speedy in 2000 when he and his band were playing at Hillbillies in Arcadia. From there the tradition just grew. We would go to Aces every chance we got to hear, Speedy, Jeanna, Ray and Donnie play until the bar closed down. Thank you, Speedy for always making us feel not just like friends, but family. You will be greatly missed.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Krista and family.
God Bless,
Erin Christian, Deanie Amen, Stan Schnellbecher and many others.
Roz Harrell Mantle Piechal
January 16, 2012
Wow!! How'd I miss this one? Gary and I went to school together in middle school and we lived in the same neighborhood and rode the bus to and from school together. We were friends, but never close. Yep, that was 46 years ago, in the mid 60's. It wasn't until ten or fifteen years later that I sang with Gary in Okla City for a week while his band's lead singer was on vacation. We got to spend a whole week together. He was single, I was married. We spent all that time together, all day, all evening. He was gorgeous. In those days, people had morals and ethics. Gary was a perfect gentleman.
Dan Paul
December 24, 2011
I met Speedy about 8 years ago as I often traveled to Oklahoma City a few times a year and love music. I always made it a point to go see Speedy play whenever I was in town and have had the opportunity to jam with him at various places around town. He was not only a brilliant musician but a fantastic person as well. I will always remember him a true gentleman who was always kind, thoughtful, generous and surprisingly humble. My thoughts and Prayers are with his family and I know he is in peace with our Lord.
Phil and Loretta Rutledge
October 17, 2011
I was really saddened when I heard of Speedy passing away. I just found out at work after mentioning his name in conversation this morning. He will be greatly missed. Best guitar player I have ever known. Our thoughts and Prayers are with his family.
golda hamilton
June 18, 2011
everyone loved speedy ,what a great musician. We will all miss you and your great disposition rare....prayers to your family. God bless you and may you play to eternity...
Barbara Duke
June 10, 2011
I was so deeply saddened to hear about Gary. I have not seen him in a couple of years, but thought of him often. Since knowing him about 30 years, even if time went by, when we would see each other, it was like no time had passed. My thoughts go out to you Kristen and the rest of the family that Gary leaves behind. I'll miss you, Speedy--"The Hat Lady"
May 15, 2011
Gary was such a close friend. I met him in the early 80's at the Sportspage playing with Maya.I'll miss him terribly.We had so many laughs together, what a great man!! I'm so glad that I was able to talk to him one more time before his death and tell him I loved him.
Jerry Wiley-Houston,Texas
May 13, 2011
Dear Kristen, I don't know you but my thoughts &prayers go out to you, I have known Speedy for 35 years, God Bless You!!!
Mark Willis
May 12, 2011
Kristen and Speedy were more than friends to us. They inspired our lives more than they will ever know. They were a perfect example of what couples should be for each other. Thanks for all the memories we share.
Mark & Jeanne Willis
Debi Sissom Thomas
May 12, 2011
So sorry for your loss. What a huge loss it is. I knew Gary when he played with My Husband in the late 70's. I have a lot of good memories of him and his great sense of humor. God be with you and your family during these times of mouring.
Debi Sissom Thomas
Jeanette Jirous
May 12, 2011
Speedy < Iwill miss you soo much. Love Jeanette & Dave
Bob Rodgers
May 11, 2011
Gary was my friend for 42 years starting in Tulsa. My sincere sympathies to all the surviving family. Gary will always have a place in my heart. Bless all of you.
Marci Scott
May 11, 2011
To Kristen and all of Speedy's family, I'm so sorry for your loss. All of Speedy's wonderful friends will also miss him as he touched many people in his lifetime with his music and teaching others. Speedy was a genuine caring person and he will be greatly missed! Your family is in my prayers.
Sheral King
May 11, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you Kristen and all of Speedys family. I know Mom greeted him with open arms in Heaven!
God Bless you,
Sheral King
On the same page, loving life, living it to the fullest!!!
Tammi Georgiannna
May 10, 2011
Not much else I can say. Except I loved your music at Friends and The Blues Saloon. Thank you for the joy of you letting me sing with the band at The Blues Saloon a couple of months ago. "Me and Bobby McGee" I will never forget it! Thank you for giving me a chance! I know you were a great musician here on earth, I can only imagine that heaven is really rocking now. Thank you for letting me sing, and my deepest sympathy to your family, band members, and close friends. God Bless...Tammi Georgianna
tommy hughes
May 10, 2011
His talent was unmistakable, but what i'll miss most , is his humbleness and friendly sprit. He will be missed. R.I.P.Speedy Tommy and Joy Hughes
Magical hands
David Fisk
May 10, 2011
Andrew and Speedy West Jr.....a musical tradition
David Fisk
May 10, 2011
David Fisk
May 10, 2011
Speedy........glad I knew you as a good friend..........loved your music and will miss your corny jokes you always had for me every time I saw you....R.I.P........you are blessed with a fine musician son to carry on your musical family tradition..............Love ya man
ALAN BECKWORTH
May 9, 2011
I AM SAD THAT YOU HAVE LEFT US SPEEDY. THE MUSIC WILL NEVER BE THE SAME WITHOUT YOU HERE. YOU TOLD ME IN APRIL YOU KNEW JESUS AND I REJOICED. GOD BE WITH YOUR WIFE, SON, AND ALL YOUR FAMILY, AS WELL AS ALL THOSE WHOSE LIVES YOU HAVE TOUCHED. I WILL ALWAYS MISS YOUR PLAYING.
Tami DeLozier
May 9, 2011
It is an honor to have had the opportunity to meet you Speedy. We created great memories with you at Friends. I feel honored that you would always on your breaks come down to the floor and sit and talk with us. You and your music will be greatly missed. Joe and Tami DeLozier
Mike & Katie Scandy
May 9, 2011
Speedy we spent a lot of years working together and many more as friends. We will miss you, your smile, and your music. God Bless
Friends Bar Staff
May 9, 2011
Speedy you will be missed by your extended family at Friends. You were always there and playing with a smile on your face and music in your heart and soul. Thank you for the many years of friendship and music you graced us with. Friends Bar Staff
Lisa Kolke
May 9, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Justin Biggs, D.D.S.
May 8, 2011
Speedy was my guitar teacher in the early 90's. I remember he always pushed me to my limits and beyond. I still play today thanks in large part to him. What I remember most was how encouraging he always was. He also taught me a great deal more than how to play guitar, namely how to treat others and have a positve outlook on life. I will miss you Speedy, thanks for being there for me and for being such an inspiration to us all.
Dr. Ron Tripp
May 8, 2011
No better friend and no kinder soul than Speedy. All who came to know him were blessed and enriched by the genuine love he had for his friends and music. He always welcomed you with a smile and the excitement of a kid seeing the ice cream truck. A wonderful person and friend that I will miss terribly.
Dozer
May 8, 2011
What can be said about Speedy that isn't already known? A true local guitar legend that could've easily transcended the borders of OKC, true. But the endearing nature of Speedy was that he never let his talent or stature as such go to his head. Every time I encountered Speedy he was nice, polite and always had time to chat a bit. What a genuine and humble man. We, here in OKC have lost too many of our musicians far too early, recently. I am comforted to know that Speedy is in heaven jamming with his dad, Bill Hood, Dwight Trahern and Jimmy Bryant (Speedy credited Jimmy as the reason he started playing guitar) among others. Speedy you will be missed here. I look forward to seeing you again on the other side.
Janice Horton
May 8, 2011
I did not personally know "Speedy", but enjoyed seeing his pleasant face on the stage every tiime I went to Friends. You could tell that he was a gracious, kind, generous man, just from his actions.
It was odd walking into Friends tonight knowing he will not stand there again. But I know in heaven they are dancing and singing at the feet of Jesus, and he is right there, singing, and playing a brand new guitar.
Prayers to you the family, as you go through this difficult time.
Janice, OKC, OK
Brittany Kelley
May 7, 2011
Speedy was such a great man. He was my stepfather for many years, but he treated me as if I were his flesh and blood. I have so many great memories of him. I am so grateful that we got to reconnect in this last year. He will forever be in my heart and childhood memories. To Andrew I am so truly sorry for your loss. I will be here for you if you need me. Kristen, I'm sorry that I have never gotten to meet you but speedy loved you so much. He told me everytime we spoke. He will forever be missed and loved.
May 7, 2011
opal i am so sorry to here about gary my prays and love are with all of you.love katy levinson atkinson.
Rick Kirkendall
May 7, 2011
Kristen Truly hope you are being comforted I know I cant put into words what i am feeling I Loved speedy n hv always thought you were perfect for him n he loved you soo much , if you need anything please let me know 405-830-0094 email ricogolf @ cox.net God Bless
Rick Kirkendall
May 6, 2011
Speedy Im proud to call you my freind,,You always made time when you wers so busy to make us all feel better your talents were many, as you would always say its the simple things in life, if we were to go fishing as you would say , we dont have to catch a big fish to have a good time, just enjoy eachother,You will always be a part of my life n thank you Brother for always the great advice! I love you my freind n will always remember!!
Jon Cummins
May 6, 2011
I knew you thru your Dad mainly, and he was so proud of you! He must have been a perfect mold for you,judging how people talk of your character and caring way. Both of you seem to have known how important treating people kindly and with respect is. Too rare these days!
God's love and peace to all the family!
Speedy w/friends
Speedy West
May 6, 2011
Speedy & Kristen
Speedy West
May 6, 2011
Donnie Dorn
May 6, 2011
It was a pleasure knowing you and playing with you over the years. You were an amazing musician & an even nicer person. May you rest in peace forever.
God bless,
Donnie Dorn
Sunny Shane
May 6, 2011
Speedy you will be missed very much by me. You always had time to shake my hand or hug even when you were so busy..You made me felt welcome no matter where you were with your music, no matter what color my hair was.Ha I will miss you and dancing to your music sooo very much. You were very popular but down to earth and I loved that about you. Prayers are with your family,your band,friends and little people like us that just loved you. Sunny S. and Bear
Sherri Cook
May 6, 2011
Words cannot describe the loss that we are feeling. Speedy was my first guitar teacher, hired me in one of his bands and I had the priviledge of playing with him in Firecreek. He was a true example of Hero, personally and musically. OKC music will never be the same. RIP SPEEDY. Our prayers for Kristen and family.
Gail Ratchel
May 6, 2011
Such sad news! Family & friends are in my prayers. RIP Speedy!
bonita hurst-propps
May 6, 2011
speedy it was always an honor to be on stage with you,you will be deeply missed,and the music world is again without one of our greats,my prayers are with your family at this time.
Ashley Hill
May 6, 2011
You played for me at the opry station and helped me get my deal... You were amazing that night... Thank you sooo much for always believing in me. I will miss you.
Rodney Frizzell
May 6, 2011
You will always be remembered as a shining example to us left here with the memories of your great music. I am a better person having known you. Thank you Speedy.
Speedy & Kristen @ Friends
Max & Martie Hart
May 6, 2011
You were one of the sweetest persons we ever had the pleasure of meeting. Your smile lit up the room. Your music lifted our souls. As I wrote on Kristen`s FB page...
How many of us ever stop to think of music as a wonderous magic link with God, taking sometimes the place of prayer when words have failed us `neath the weight of care?
Music, that knows no country, race or creed, but gives to each according to their need.
Your in our Lords Heavenly Band now but you will be greatly missed here on earth. We take comfort knowing that you will always be in our hearts and we know that... you are "just away".
Dana Jo Cox
May 6, 2011
Speedy my memories go back to the Sportspage in early 80's as a fan to setting in on drums aftter Wes had a motorcycle accident as he opened City Lights. Then Wes's car accident I had the honor of joining Maya as their drummer with You, Cheryl, Woody, Bill, Jim and Kent. The many years and places we played, so many funny memories and great memories. You always made me feel like one of the group. When you and Jim told me to take a breath when we played the prison gig, or when driving back from Lawton and I hit a deer with everyone in my van, or the "FULL MOON" on the way to Tulsa.......ETC, I could go on. I love ya man, I miss you and your screaming licks!!!
Johnny Walker
May 5, 2011
Speedy West, Jr. What a great guy! You always showed me the highest respect and went out of your way to acknowledge me. You are in the arms of the Lord now and we are going to miss your special smile. God's speed be with you!! We will continue pray for your loving wife. She stood by you in your hour of need and all your friends love her for that. God bless you both.
Misti Flowers
May 5, 2011
Speedy set an excellent example to the up and comers in the music industry of how to hone your craft and entertain while exemplifying professionalism and class. He's a legacy and role model. The world is a better place because he was a part of it. May his legacy live on, not only in our hearts, but within OKC's music scene forever.
Maria Runyon
May 5, 2011
Mike & I send our heartfelt condolences to Speedy's family. The loss of Speedy yesterday leaves a huge hole to the OKC music scene.
George R. Coulter
May 5, 2011
God bless you Speedy. You always had that smile and a "How's things goin ?" whenever I'd run into you at Granny's, or at Friends. Veyo Con Dios.
Ron Martin
May 5, 2011
Rest in peace my friend, I've been told heaven loves music....
Ron and the Raiders,
Sherri Leard
May 5, 2011
Spent many years with you at the Sportspage. You always felt like a family member. Mike and I will always remember your talent and that great smile.Rest in peace our dear friend.
anonomyous
May 5, 2011
speedy west was not only a great musician, but a wonderful dad, we will miss you so much..heaven is so lucky to have you with bill and wes..jam on, my friend
tommy dees
May 5, 2011
What a great loss to the Oklahoma City family of musicians and music lovers. Speedy was a true musical legend here and will be missed. I am thankful for having the opportunity to hear him play over the last couple of decades.
Jan Baker
May 5, 2011
Your smile, talent and humor could light up a room. You will be missed. R.I.P. Thoughts and prayers go to Kristen and the family.
Tim Stanford
May 5, 2011
Your in Heaven with your father playing steele and lead guitar in his band with Bill Hood on keys and Wes Holland on drums . I remember coming to see you in 1971 or 2,I snucked in to hear you with Rings.I was 12 or so I've been a fan since . RIP my friend
Tiffany Roberts
May 5, 2011
I only had the opportunity to hear him play a couple of times but it was so obvious what Speedy gave to the music scene in OKC. My prayers and condelences to everyone that loved and knew Speedy. We are poorer today than we were yesterday.
Laurie Campbell
May 5, 2011
You have just added more beautiful music to heaven... We will join you some day and enjoy it again.. Until then. God Speed...
Deborah Kesler
May 5, 2011
Speedy, You asked me to tell them all that you weren't going anywhere that they wouldn't see you but to close their eyes and they would hear you. RIP my dear friend.
Lisa Tillman-Gibson
May 5, 2011
Rest in Peace Dear Cousin. You will never be forgotten. I Love You.
Mandy Brixey
May 5, 2011
Love and prayers to your family~
Kay Hiller
May 5, 2011
I will always miss you my buddy Speedy! You left us with a void that nobody can fill...What a beautiful person you are and always making us laugh with your jokes! You were my favorite musician and long time friend from those good ol' Maya days! My heart is broken but time will heal and I will see you again someday! Love you with all my heart and soul, Kay
Denise Baker
May 5, 2011
Gary you touched the lives of so many in this world you will ne missed my friend,It was an honor to have know you Love Denise Baker
Donna Martin
May 5, 2011
Great loss. You will be missed by so many...
Love you,
Chip Frady
May 5, 2011
Speedy, You will be missed!My prayers go out to your family. I suspect there is Blues and BBQ in heaven.
"Hickory Chip"
Jack Hughes
May 5, 2011
May the God of grace & peace be with you. You were a great guitar player and a great friend,
Antonio Rosales
May 5, 2011
Love you Speedy, it was a great honor to have worked with you in Firecreek Band in the 90's we really made some great music together. R I P my friend.
Antonio Tony Rosales
Tracy
May 5, 2011
Wow, was I ever shocked to see that Speedy West died. Back in 1981, when I moved to OKC, my girlfriends and I would go to the Sportspage (I-40 and Meridian) to watch the band MAYA play and Speedy was always a hit with the girls. He was so talented with that guitar. He will be truley missed. Condolances to his family!!
*a true fan*
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