Don G. West

Don G West Don G West began his earthly life Sept. 5, 1921 and entered into his eternal life Aug. 19, 2008. He was 86 years young. Don was born in Portland, Ore.; the first born son of Ray West and Florence Meister. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Rose Mary, his brother Bill, and his eldest daughter, Nancy Benson of Spokane, Wash. After graduating from Edison High School in Multnomah County, Ore., he continued to educate himself by taking welding classes and bookkeeping classes at Benson High Technical School and Commerce High School in Portland. In his early career he worked at the shipyards and the Crescent Laundry in Portland. Following in his father's footsteps he went into the hotel and restaurant supply business servicing Montana, Oregon, Washington and Idaho. He was employed by the Marshall Wells Company and Hotel Supply Company in Portland until 1948. Don moved to Lewiston in 1950. He was a partner in West-Appleford Restaurant Supply for three years and in 1953 sold his interest and associated with Don Adams in Adams Realty, eventually becoming owner and broker of Don West Realty. Don served on the Lewiston City Council for two years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, receiving the 31st and 32nd degrees. He was also a member of the Lewiston Elks Lodge, the Exchange Club of Lewiston-Clarkston and served a term as President of the Lewiston Traders Club. He worked hard all his life yet learned how to relax in his latter years. He retired from real estate at the age of 58 and began a self study in the stock exchange market. Don's new hobby became the internet and was fondly referred to as our "senior surfer." Don had a love for the mountains and began building his own cabin in 1958 with the help of his long-time friend Harvey Bosen. This labor of love was the beginning of many years spent enjoying the beauty of the mountains hunting, fishing, and riding cycles. Don also enjoyed traveling both stateside and overseas. Maui, Hawaii won his heart over and that soon became his destination of choice. Don had an inviting smile and a chuckle for nearly everyone he met. He had a positive outlook on life which drew people to him. He was gentle and kindhearted and deeply loved his family. To know him was to love him and he will be dearly missed by all who were touched by his life. He is survived by his wife, Edna; his son, James and wife, Ava; his daughter, Susan and son-in-law, Don Martorello; his grandchildren, Michelle Esquivel and husband Mitch of Nampa Idaho, Donny Martorello of Tenio, Wash., and Lisa Martorello of Boise, Idaho, Tammie and Mary Benson of Spokane, Wash., Christine Portrey and husband Wes of Sandpoint, Idaho, and Michael Benson and wife Bianca of Portland, Ore. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Hannah, Erika and Emily Esquivel, Josh and Beth Halton, Jesse and Daniel Gondek, and Michael Martorello. The family wishes to thank the Legacy Hospice team and caregivers Marlene Cotroneo and Raejean Shrinner for their outstanding care, compassion, and support during the final months of Don's life. Memorial contributions can be made to Legacy Hospice Care at 680 Progress Ave. Meridian, Id. 83642. A celebration of Don's life will be held 1 p.m. at the Eagle Christian Church in Eagle Idaho.