Geoffrey Raymond West

1955 - 2021

GEOFFREY RAYMOND WEST

December 13, 1955 October 28, 2021

Geoffrey Raymond West was born into this life on December 13, 1955 and was called home on October 28, 2021. He was the second born of four boys. When his oldest brother was killed in an auto accident in 1967, Geoff became the patriarch of the family. He loved his family, loved Jesus, and he loved to laugh.

After graduating from Highland High School in 1974, Geoff worked various jobs and excelled in each. He attended Bakersfield College where he studied criminal science. His eagerness to serve others led him to become a peace officer with the Bakersfield Police Department. His lifelong desire to fly airplanes led him to the military. He joined the United States Army and served during peacetime in Tacoma, Washington.

After his time served, Geoff embarked on reinventing himself in business. He started a construction company that serviced grocery stores in Southern California. In his spare time Geoff restored his 1979 VW Cabriolet and built an experimental aircraft in his garage. The joy of his life was flying. Once he finished his plane and got it certified by the FAA, Geoff could be found at the airport. He loved tinkering on his plane and talking with other pilots. Flying was his passion. When he flew, he was free. Geoff sold his business and became a truck driver. Driving provided a steady income and the time to devote to flying. He was in the air as often as he was on the road. He was excited at his approaching retirement so he could focus on his hours in the air.

While recovering at home from an accident where he broke both of his ankles, Geoff died peacefully in his sleep.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Steven Hathaway West, father, Raymond LaRue West and his mother, Ann Hathaway West.

He leaves behind his two beautiful children, Ash (39) and Rin West (22), and countless nieces, nephews and cousins. His two surviving brothers, Darren and Damon West are heartbroken but feel his life was full and his job here was complete.

Up, up the long delirious burning blue I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace where never lark or eagle flew.

And, while the silent lifting mind I've trod. The high untrespassed sanctity of space, put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

Services will be held on December 13, 2021 at 10:45 am (his 66th birthday) at the Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 East Bear Mountain Blvd., Arvin, California 93203.

www.bakersfield.com/obits