RAYMOND ALLAN WEST

RAYMOND ALLAN WEST08/18/1959 - 03/20/2010Ray passed away at his home in San Francisco on Saturday March 20, 2010 from complications of a chronic illness. He was surrounded by loved ones, his partner Larry Cunniffe, his mother Marie West, and his brother Roger and family Casey, Kyle and Kayla. He is also survived by his long time friend David Schwartz, many other family members and friends.Ray was born in Chelsea Massachusetts, grew up as a Navy brat living around the world before settling in Houston Texas. He eventually joined the Navy himself. After serving eight years, he returned to work in Houston for NASA during the first four shuttle missions. During this time he got his education at San Jacinto Community College and University of Houston. He then moved on to a career in accounting and worked for several large firms. He changed careers and moved into Real Estate, getting his broker's license in Texas and later in North Carolina, eventually opening his own Real Estate firm in Franklin. His final move to San Francisco in 2005 allowed him to pursue vocational opportunities in AIDS advocacy by working with The Ryan White Planning Council, Shanti and the Public Health Foundation Enterprises.Ray always lived his life to the fullest regardless of the obstacles in his way. He filled it with many activities and organizations that enriched his life. While enjoying baseball, cycling, reading and traveling, he volunteered at many organizations. He started his philanthropic endeavors with the AIDS Memorial Quilt as a founding member of the Houston Chapter. He worked for many years with the People With AIDS Coalition of Houston including over 5 years as its president. During this time, he also was a very active member in the Miss Camp America Houston fund raising organization. He also spent his time raising money for many other charities including participating in two separate AIDS/LifeCycle rides and working with the Macon County AIDS Task Force.He was preceded in death by his father Garvin West.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of his favorite charities San Francisco based Aids Emergency Fund, the national organization Project Inform, or the Houston based Legacy Community Health Services.Memorial will be held at the Jasmine room of Baba Yega Saturday April 3, 2010 from 2:00 - 4:00PM.