Paul Erick West

WHITEFISH BAY, Wis. - Paul Erick West, 51, of Whitefish Bay, Wis., peacefully bridged the loving arms of his family at home to the open arms of Jesus.
A brain tumor claimed his life, but Paul never allowed it to conquer his subtle sense of humor, his unconditional love for family and friends or his quiet and persistent devotion to caring for his wife, Jennifer, and three sons, Erick, Colin and Parker. He handled his disease as he handled his life - with grace, dignity and more concern for others than himself.
Paul was born to George and Norma West and grew up in Mason City, Iowa, where from an early age, he showed an uncanny ability to make and retain deep and lasting friendships. He remained in close contact with several high school buddies throughout his life and to the end of his days continued to receive shipments of his favorite treat, paximadia, from the mother of a friend.
Paul graduated from St. Olaf College in 1982 with a degree in economics and an eclectic collection of friends and misdemeanors. He began work on an MBA at St. Thomas University in St. Paul, Minn. and couch-surfed between the homes of various friends and his brother before landing at a house on Portland Avenue with a group of friends. During this period he played on a softball team with his brother, created time with his father, who had been diagnosed with ALS, and became the proud owner of the Wild, Wild, Webs, a rotisserie baseball team.
He met his future wife, Jennifer, at the wedding of a cousin. They were engaged after three months and married on Aug. 31, 1986. Jennifer dated him because of his wickedly subtle sense of humor; she married him because of his compassionate and unwavering care for his father during his illness. He loved her in spite of the constant projects and causes she roped him into. Paul was a quietly affectionate, devoted husband who truly put the superlative in the term "best friend;" his commitment to his vows and his marriage were a manifestation of his deep and abiding love.
Paul was also a wonderful, giving father to his three sons. He provided the gentlest of nurturing, and always found a creative way to solve problems and lighten moods. He was closely bonded to his boys and did not spare himself in the development of their character. He built a pirate ship and various other structures in the back yard each Halloween to support their charitable "Haunted Backyard" efforts, and spent many days at Kohler-Andrae Park, hiking, camping and sitting around a fire. His sons did not share his love of televised sports, much to his chagrin, but they and other children benefited from Paul's years of coaching their baseball teams. As a father, he instructed his sons in handy household repairs and yardwork; he also modeled decency, patience, honor and faith.
Music was always an important part of Paul's life, as were his friends. He was a dedicated employee of Blue Cross & Blue Shield for 20 years. He was an active member of Fox Point Lutheran Church and grateful to serve with Interfaith.
Paul's favorite places and activities included Camp Aquila; Clear Lake; sailing, golfing, baseball and fishing; St. Olaf, especially Christmas choir concerts; Milwaukee County Zoo; the Kentucky Derby and horse racing; Lake Vermilion, Minn.; Ireland/Wales/Scotland; Kohler-Andrae Park; Galveston, Texas; Disney World; coaching baseball; the Haunted Backyard; WFBHS orchestra concerts and swim meets; gardening with his wife; Irish Fest; Two Harbors, Minn.; Fox Point Lutheran Church; and anything his kids did.
Paul is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and his three sons, Erick, Colin and Parker. Other family includes his mother, Norma West Heiny (Jim) of Mason City; brother George (Anne) of Minneapolis, Minn.; sisters Martha Krone (Phil) of Sioux City and Elizabeth Tusler of Irmo, S.C.; their families; aunt and uncle Ray and Wilma Western and cousins; cousin Gordon Campbell; and loving relatives by marriage. He was preceded in death by his father, George H. West Jr.
Paul's kind and gentle spirit lives in the hearts of those who loved him and shared his life. The family asks that you send favorite memories of Paul to rememberpaul@ASAP.net.
Visitation was held Thursday, July 7, from 4-7 p.m. at Feerick Funeral Home. Services were Friday, July 8 at 1 p.m., Fox Point Lutheran Church, 7510 N. Santa Monica Blvd., with visitation at noon. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated for Fox Point Lutheran Church.
The family would like to thank Drs. Anderson, Krouwer, Kurpad, Malkin, Mueller, and Schulz; Renae; and Wheaton Franciscan Hospice for the care and support they provided Paul.
Feerick Funeral Home, Shorewood 414-962-8383, www.feerickfuneralhome.com.