John D. West III M.D.

I remember John as such a fine young man when we were fraternity brothers at Dartmouth. He was so very personable, honest, straight forward, and positive. Although he was two classes behind me he left a deep impression on me - someone who when you reflect on a shock like this you really wish you could have spent much more time with. I don't think I have seen him since I graduated. My deepest sympathies.

John had a heart of gold.

AS one who knew John's mother since 1954 in Cambridge MA, I'll always remember the pride and joy she exuded about him throughout his life. Also,what a meaningful example she set for him.

In reading the Dartmouth Alumni Magazine today, I was shocked to see news of John's death. A year ahead of me in medical school, I remember him well and thought highly of him. I will be holding him, Stephanie, and their families in my thoughts.

In the spring Dr. West operated on my knee. He did a good job and fixed my problem. Today, I had referred him to one of my cousins. Only to find he had passed away. The man was a truly gifted surgeon. I am sorry to hear of his passing.

still seems unbelievable. john was such a vibrant, alive person. that is how i will always remember him.

It wasn'tuntil last night that I learned of Johns death. I had been out of stateI had been in Ca . for my daughter to give birth to a beautiful baby. A baby that would not be here without John.. His amazing skill saved my 18 yr old daughter after a horrible acident. Going in , he had been unsure of how much he could do.. Coming out ,he had amazed even hisself. She is now 22, and happily married with a family.. Without him ,this wouldn't be possible..May peace be with you John, and in your family and friends as they work thru goodbye... Sincerely ,Kandie Desell

To John's family, It was a privilege to serve on the Dartmouth Medical Alumni Association with John as the President. He was kind and smart and measured in his thinking. Reading of this guest book makes it entirely clear what a great family man, competent physician and friend to many he was. You are in my heart at this very difficult time. Linda Coffin M.D.(DMS 73)

My deepest sympathies in your loss. I knew Dr. West as a case manager and as a patient. In fifteen years I had dozens of patients with him. I heard nothing but good things about Dr. West from his patients. Not one negative word. He was an excellent surgeon and always patient-centered. Infinitely caring. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

What a tremendous loss to the Bangor-Brewer community. My deepest sympathy for John's wife ,sons,brothers and mother. I graduated High School with John and knew he was destined for a great career. I met up with John and Brendan Crowe at Squaw Mtn. onetime. As we peered down the Allagash Trail John stood beside me and just said watch Brendan,within a second Brendan was off and gone , neither one of us could catch him or even keep up with him. John laughed....and said .... told you Greg....John was a very good skier too. Remember the very best times with John and he'll always stay close to us. Sincerely, Greg Martin, Bangor.

Stephanie, Louise, cousins Bill, Dave, and Dick, I'm so, so sorry about John. My sincerest condolences.
He was a good man and a faithful cousin and will be sorely missed. Your family, his education, his profession, his involvement with the Black Bears, he was the complete package in so many ways, a true talent.
I have many fond memories from childhood visits to Bangor, being at each other's weddings, his visits to Mpls with the Black Bears, etc. I'm only sad I didn't get more time with him, I always enjoyed it.
I have a buddy in Bangor who blew out his ankles and was facing a six month wait for surgery. I just happened to know someone who could help! John put him on the fast track to get him in right away and did a fantastic job, relieving his pain and even getting him back into marathons.
God's rich blessings of comfort upon you and the boys in this time.
Cousin Bill

Hi Stephanie,
I went online to see how the annual meeting went and when reading the President's Report realized John passed away. I had no idea and can't tell you how sorry and shocked Terry and I are for your loss. I didn't know him well but he seemed like a great and likable guy as well as a great dad , husband and physician.Life is so unfair; only 52!
We wish you strength in the days ahead.
Jacob and Terry Gerritsen

September 22, 2009

Louise, I was so sorry to hear of your son's passing. Although I had never met him I know from his obituary that he was a very special person. My heart goes out for you and his family.

Phyllis and Jim Sweeney

Dear Louise, I am so sad to learn of the tragedy of losing John. I know there are no words to ease the pain. Just know that you are all in our thoughts with love and caring. With sorrow, Judy and Kenn

So sorry to hear of your loss. Dr. West treated our 10 year old son last December with great care and we remember him with gratitude. Seekins, Orrington

Dear Louise, Bud and I are so saddened by the death of your talented, wonderful son. Please know that you and John's little family and his brothers are in our thoughts and prayers. We send you our love.

September 20, 2009
I first meet Dr.West when I worked in X ray and than when I worked in the OR. He was kind respectfull and loved to teach. I than had him as my surgeon when I had both shoulders repaired. He was so kind, understanding and very caring.When ever I meet him in the hospital all outside he always wanted to no how I was doing. He was a great individual. He will be sadly Missed

Dear Louise,
Leo and I were shocked and saddened to hear of John's death. He was such an excellent person in every way. Please give our love and condolences to Stephanie, Andrew, and Geoffrey - we will keep you all in our prayers. How we wish we lived nearer.
Love, Joy and Leo

I realize as I sit here trying to send my deepest condolences that there is nothing I can write that will take away the pain of this loss. I knew John from 7th grade through graduation from high school and admired him. He succeeded at everything, was witty, and drew people to him. I had thought that being in the medical profession myself, I would one day see him again, and we would share the laughs once again about some of the silly questions people asked in Human Sexuality class! I am deeply saddened. You are all in my prayers!

This is so shocking. I haven't seen John since a very early High School reunion, and a short visit when my mum was hospitalized at EMMC, but I will always remember him as one of the smartest guys I have ever met, a witty conversationalist and a vision in tennis whites. He was the total package. We attended school together from Mary Snow through High School. He was motivated academically, gifted athletically and very charming and I am sure that he has passed on his many special gifts to his children. My deepest sympathies to you all.

Laurie Atwater
BHS Class of 1975

To the family of Dr. John West,

Please accept our deepest sympathies.

Harry and Pam Peddie and the staff
of Orono Medical Center

Dear Louise, Mom just told me about you tragic loss. I am so very sorry. Know that my prayers are with you, John's wife, his sons & his brothers at this very difficult time.

Our deepest condolences on your tragic loss-
Mike & Barbara Loreti

Dear Stephanie, Drew and Geoff,
I am so very sorry for the loss of your husband/Dad. John and you Stephanie were so kind to my Mom and Dad. I was always asking Dad to see John for some "WD 40" for his knees. John knew Dad loved to walk and garden and he would do his best to help him do that. Dad respected good, passionate doctors. John and you Stephanie were 2 "young" doctors who he truly respected.
John will truly be missed. Godspeed!
Anne Palmer Graham

Weez and family---
Just heard of John's passing from Nancy Wilbur. My thoughts and love to you and your family.
Pent

To the West Family,

Dr West did a total knee replacement on my husband a little over a year ago and was treating me for a knee condition at the present. He was one of the most caring doctors we have seen. He always asked about our personal interests and never forgot things we talked about. The last time I was there in July, he mentioned seeing us at one Geoff's baseball games a few days before. The only game Geoff's team had lost all season and the only one our grandson's team had won! He said Geoff was not to happy with the outcome of that game and I shared our grandson was thrilled his team finally won a game! We both had a laugh about that game. He cared about the little things and we often shared about our mutual interest in Maine Hockey.

To his mom, wife, boys, brothers, family, friends, co-workers, and patients, there is no understanding as to why this tragic death happened but hopefully we can all learn to reach out and help and care the way Dr. West set the example to so many of us. I am just so sad he was too busy to realize or take the time to care for himself. He gave his all to so many. You will be in our prayers for some time to come and please remember that tears are a language that God understands. Draw close to God and he will give the strength to get through this.

God Bless all,

Stephanie - Although I only knew of you and John from our mutual membership in the Penobscot Valley Ski Club, and our sons' racing development involvement, I always admired your family and the joy that seemed to exist when you skied together or you watched Geoff and Drew race at Hermon Mtn or around the state. A beautiful family, enjoying a wonderful time together. I hope those memories will anchor you in the days ahead as you grieve this sudden loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Jon, Sara, Andrew and Jordan Henry, Hampden, ME

It was 34 years ago, around this same time of year, that I was first getting to know John West. We were both freshman at Dartmouth College. I liked John immediately. There was nothing not to like about him. He was a man’s man – a tough guy, yet he was compassionate and understanding. He was highly intelligent and extremely confident, yet completely down-to-earth and unassuming. He lived a healthy lifestyle, kept in shape, ate properly and exercised regularly. He was fun to hang out with. He knew how to enjoy life. Usually you think of mentors being older folks, but in many ways John was my mentor, unbeknownst to him, regarding many of the aforementioned qualities that he had but that I lacked as an immature college freshman.
At 18 I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, but John did. He wanted to be a doctor. He wanted to move back to Bangor, where he was from, but where his parents had recently left, and live out a certain lifestyle that he had already formulated in his head. He was driven and focused, but always able to have a good time along the way. He had an optimism that enabled him to turn adverse circumstances around to his advantage – not in a manipulative or selfish way but as a survivor. I remember in the Spring Semester of our freshman year John was taking an oceanography class that required each student to perform an independent study project, which was to be pre-approved by the Professor prior to execution. While the other students were proposing research papers on various arcane topics, John proposed going back to Maine during Spring Break, digging clams, and then bringing them back to the classroom for a clambake. The Professor bought into it and that is what John did.
I joined John on that clamming expedition and spent my first spring break, in 1976, with John, in Bangor. I will never forget that trip. I remember he borrowed clam rakes from someone and we headed down to the shore. I was an urban kid from Ohio. I had never seen a clam rake before. I am allergic to shellfish so I did not know much about clams either. I remember going out onto the flats at low tide and thinking how hard it was to dig clams. It was back-breaking. At one point I wandered off and found a bunch of what I thought were clams (remember, I was from Ohio) just sitting on top of the rocks further down the shore. These “clams” could be had by simply picking them off the rocks without the back-breaking need to use the rakes. When I pointed these out to John he started laughing with that laugh I will always remember.
He could barely talk he was laughing so hard, until he finally explained that those were MUSSELS, not clams. John was not laughing at me – he was laughing at the event. Although clamming was hard work, he was enjoying himself and my urban corn-field naiveté only added to the amusement of the situation. I will always remember John’s laugh. I will miss John West.
-Carl Gehring

Dr. John West was a valued member of the Alumni of the University of Washington Orthopaedic Residency. We are all saddened by his passing. I just spoke with him at our Alumni Reception at the annual Academy meeting this last March. As the Alumni Chairman and fellow graduate, I can attest to how respected and valued he was as a member of our program. He was and excellent physician and surgeon as well as role model. Our heart goes out to his family and friends. Our prayers are with him.

Stephanie:My gosh as wonderful as this life is at times it can be cruel beyond measure. May you and your boys find some solace in the remembrance of who he was. Our most heartfelt sympathy

Gary and Sue Doolittle

My sincerest sympathy to you Stephanie and your family Tho I did not know John my association w you via the MMA Executive committee is meaningful and lasting John Langley MD

Our deepest condolences go out to your family. John was a wonderful Dr. to my husband and myself. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Lois & Walter Hacik, Troy ME

Back in the day (at Dartmouth), John was one of the upperclassmen who took the notion of being a "true gentleman" to heart. The brothers of SAE all know that this is a high compliment. I'm very sorry to hear of his untimely passing and hope that you will find comfort the kind works of so many.

Our sincerest condolences to Dr. Wests' family. From all of us at Bangor Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

I would fill in at the office for dr bradford when Dr. West first worked over there. I also worked with him at EMMC. I filled in once at his office with Dr Lawsing. Working with him was always delightful. It is a lost to our community and to his family. I will miss you Dr. West. May you rest in peace. Barbara Collins R.T(R)

Dear Stephanie, Drew and Geoff - We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our family sends you love from the bottom of our hearts during this difficult time. Love Geoff, Lindsay, Will, Curtis and Garrett Alexander (Cape Elizabeth, ME)

please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss.

Nima Moghaddas, DPM

To the West/Lash family,
May you be comforted by how many people he touched and helped. He will be missed by many.
My sympathy and prayers to you all.
--Cheryl Bascomb, Dartmouth '82

Our condolences go out to Stephanie, Andrew and Geoffrey at this sad time.
Kathy, Jorge and Isabella Gonzalez

Dr Lash,Drew and Geoff:
Dr. West was my doctor and I thought of him as a son.He was so gifted in his practice.He was kind,gentile.caring
every time I saw him.He did a great job on my knee and I am still walking today.My wife had roter cuff surgery and she feels the same as I do.
May god keep his hand on all of you in this time of need.
Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you.

Dear West Family; may the peace which comes from the memories of love shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead, may God’s comfort help you during this difficult time. I am thinking of you during this difficult time and although no words seem inadequate to express the sadness I feel at this moment, although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you guys are very close in my every thoughts and prayers.

To the West Family. I am so sorry for your loss. Your husband and Dad was a friend as a Dartmouth classmate and orthopaedic colleague. He gave of himself in so many ways to others. My heart goes out to your family as we will all miss him very much.

To the family of Dr John West he was truly a great surgeon and gifted man who cared about his patients he will be missed and may he rest in peace and my prayers go out to his family. Mr and Mrs L

We are so to hear of Dr West sudden death he was truly a physain who cared about his patients and was greatly admired by his UMO sports team. He replaced a very dear friends of knees and was he was highly recommended to my this friend and was to replace my knee in 2010 upon my husbands return from Iraq I will keep his family in my prayers and God be with you all and may he rest in peace. Dwayne and Peg Levesque

hey drew,
It is Maggie i just wanted to say that I have been thinking about you and our family this whole week. I'm am very sorry for your dads loss. I send my love, and wish you and your family well

Love maggie

Dear Louise,David, Dick,and Bill
Remembering you fondly from your Montgomery St days, especially the warm welcome you gave us to the neighborhood, we are deeply saddened by your loss of John and can hardly stand to imagine the pain you are going through.To each of you and his wife and sons we send our heartfelt condolences during this terribly difficult time,
The Brogunier Family

Please accept my sincere sympathy. John was a great resident here at the UW Orthopedic department for 4 years and we all enjoyed working with him. I'll always remember how excited we both were when we realized that my Dad and his Uncle Bill had played on the football team together at West Point...they were even seated next to one another in the team photo.

To Stephanie and children:
Bobbi and I are extremley saddened to hear of John's death.
Our thoughts and Prayers are with you at this time.
Vern and Bobbi MacDonald

Dear West Family, I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. I remember him fondly as a biology student at Bangor High. He was always so enthusiastic about the subject. He also played on my tennis team. We will so very much miss him in the community. Dr. Wes Hedlund

What a loss to you, his family and to the community as a whole. I only knew Dr. West through his incredible work that he did on both my shoulders. The one, I know most would have just closed up and said sorry, but not Dr. West. Even more important than being a great surgeon and doctor he presented himself as a very nice and caring person. I will miss him, I enjoyed talking with him when I had the chance. I could see a side of him away from the medicene when I talked about flyfishing and the outdoors. My thougts and prayers are with the family and friends who will miss him more than people know. The true test is not what he was but who he is, I always thought that the man before me was greater than what the surface presented.I wish the family peace and my God open his arms to John.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Bill, I am very sorry for your loss of your brother.

Dear Dr. Lash,
Please accept my deepest sypathy for your loss. I've knowned and respected Dr. West for close to 17 years. I will miss him terribly.
You and your sons will be in my prayers.
MaryCarol

Dr. Lash, Drew and Geoff. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers go to you and your family.

We are so sorry about your family's loss. Dr. West did total knees on both of us and we found him to be a great surgeon. We also thought a lot of him personally.


Frank and beth Carr

Dear Stephanie, Drew, & Geoff,
it has been my pleasure to watch your family from a little distance in the past few years. We first met when Geoffrey and Ciarra were playing sports together, and he proudly put her photo in a frame on his night stand. "This is my friend." I will never forget the pride you took as parents in his love and acceptance of my daughter, and will be forever grateful that there are people like you in the world who raise your children to be kind, giving, decent people. I only knew your husband from a very few interactions, Stephanie, but it was enough to know that you all were everything to him.
Geoff, you are a FINE young man, and I know your daddy was so proud of you. Listening to you talk so knowledgeably about boats and sailing last year made it obvious, you were being raised by devoted, wonderful parents. Drew, I don't know you well, but I have always known that you were special. You boys and your amazing Mom will make it through this, and your community will be here to support you. Stephanie, if there is ever anything I can do, please just ask. My prayers and wishes for peace for all of you. Ciarra & Michelle

I am very sorry for your loss. He performed 2 surgeries on me (knee and hand) and did right by me. He made you feel you were important.
A former patient, Dianne Everett, Winterport.

Stephanie, Drew, and Geoff,

You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. As the days and weeks go by and you begin to get back into a routine, please know that many are still here to support you.

Hi,

I am so sorry for your loss. My son, Sam was a very dear friend of your family and when I lived in Maine, I also was a dear of the family. My heart goes out to all of you.

Maxene Lieberman

I am writing to express my deepest sympathy to the family of Dr. John West. It has been three years since Dr. West replaced my knee. I could not have asked for a better outcome. Though I did not know him personally I thank him regularly for the mobility I have because of his work. I regret not seeing him at the end of the month to show off his good work to him. May he rest in peace.

I too am saddened by the loss of Dr. West. As a patient of his, anywhere he saw me out, he would ask how I was doing. He was a great Doctor and an amazing human being. To his entire family and colleagues, my sincere condolences, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless each and every one of you.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. He was the best surgeon he helped my mom when she need knee replacement.

Sharon Perkins Brewer, Maine

Dear Stephanie and family- I am so sorry to learn of John's death. He was one of my all-time favorite medical students and I thoroughly enjoyed our renewed friendship as DMS Council members and past presidents. Stephanie, you might remember us meeting at the NHMS meeting at Kennebunkport. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I would love to meet your kids and tell them how much I loved their father. Blessings, Oge

John was a classmate ('79) and fraternity brother (SAE) of mine, but I did not know him well. He was athletic, reserved, bright and very focused. John struck me as as serious and thoughtful a young man as any of us could be back then in our late teens. You simply knew that whatever he put his mind to would be done, and done well.

Reading through the 85 entries preceeding mine in this wonderful guest book, I feel that I have gotten to know John more thoroughly in his passing than I knew him in life, and it an inspiring tale. A tale worthy of a fine man and his positive impact on so many lives.

My deepest sympathy to John's family and children.

sorry for your loss

Derrill

Dear Stephanie and family. It is with a heavy heart that we are thinking about you and the children. Our deepest sympathy to all of you. You will be in our hearts and prayers as you go through this very difficult time.
The Montes Family and Crew

As a patient, I am grateful to have benefited from his extraordinary skills. In our brief but enjoyable conversations in his office I quickly learned of his passion for his time spent at Moosehead and skiing with his family. Rest in peace Dr. John.

It truly broke the hearts of my family and I yesterday when we heard the news of Dr. Wests passing. He was a wonderful man and surgeon. He and his family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Dr. Lash, Drew, and Geoff - I am so very sorry to hear of your loss at this time. Know that you are in my prayers and thoughts and hold on to the many wonderful memories together. Karen Marsters

I would like to express my deepest sympathies to Dr. Lash, the boys and all who knew Dr. West whether through work or as a patient of his like my Mom was several years ago when he did my Mom's hip surgery. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you. God Bless!

Dear Stephanie,
Please accept my sumpathies at this most difficult time. There are so many memories of John from residency and our sailing times in Maine. He was a wonderful friend and colleague and will be warmly remembered by so many.
Love and prayers,
Paul Kanev
East Longmeadow, MA

Dr. Lash, Drew, and Geoff,
I am very proud to say that I worked with Dr. West in the recovery room at St. Joes and I worked for him at OA. He was a great man who cared very much about his patients. I do not know of many other Drs. that would answere a page even if they are not on call because a mother called in hysterics after she hit her daughter with her car. I will forever miss him, but be forever grateful I had the chance to call him friend. He was so in love with his family his eyes lit up when ever he talked about you boys. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Mary Wing

The west family, I am very sadden to hear of Dr. Wests passing. I have a disability and he did both of my rotator cuff repairs over the last several years. He was also a big help in getting me the wheelchair that I now use and I am able to still walk upright because of him today. When I was refered to him I was told he is the best in the business. That was the truth. Rest in peace Dr. west and thank you for all that you have done.

Nicole M Beaulieu
Bangor ME

So sorry to hear of the passing of such a fine man and surgeon. I am a receipient of his work. You are in my prayers and thoughts.

Thoughts and prayer for Dr Lash,Drew,Geoff and the many people who had the privilage of working with him. I was Dr West's CMA off and on for the past 6 years and truly every day with him was a great privilage, he was so loved at OA. Miss you!

I had the pleasure of being friends with John starting as kids at Mary Snow School in Bangor. He was a true friend ever since and almost like a big brother to me, even though we were the same age. He was a positive influence on me in so many ways over the years. We skied at Hermon Mountain, Squaw, Sugarloaf, Tuckerman Ravine, Tignes (in both summer and winter), and with Andrew in Steamboat... we ran together, hiked, water skied, camped, toured a bit through Europe, did the Dartmouth trail walk...that I think I'm still recovering from, and so many other things. Just one story as an example....I remember when we were doing the trail walk (50 miles in 24 hours) we made a wrong turn and walked 10 miles in the wrong direction, crossed a golf course in the middle of night and couldn't understand why the trail was getting so flat and easy, and then walked through a cow pasture at dusk stepping in you know what. Our other hiking buddy and I were not feeling too good but John just said, this is great, think of the stories we can tell about this one, and kept chugging on. I learned a lot from John and respected him so much. He had amazing focus, determination, and passion for adventure. I wasn't able to see him as much over the past several years, especially since moving to Colorado. I will miss him immensely.

Stephanie, Drew, Geoff, whenever I talked with John he always spoke so proudly and fondly of all of you. My family's thoughts and prayers are with you always.

I am so saddened by your loss of this kind man and surgeon. I am a fortunate recipient of his fine handwork. Please know that my prayers are with you and your sons during these difficult days. I pray that God will provide solace and comfort to you.

Dr Lash & family,

I know this has been an incredibly difficult time for you. Death is never easy, it's even more difficult whe it is unexpected. My heart goes out to all of you. Please know that I will pray for continued strength for all of you during the days and weeks ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

My husband and I offer our sympathy and condolences to Dr. West family. He did surgery on my knee twice and he was the best. Dr. West was a wonderful person, and I am sure he will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

Dear West family:
Dr. West replaced my wife's two hips. For several years we could not walk together, and my wife would wake up in pain. Thank God for Dr. West...his talent and compassion renewed her life and our life...walking, laughing and a new feeling of well being, thanks to the wonderful Dr. West. Thank you dear man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your wonderful family. May God always add his blessing...With love, Bruce and Melissa Brown.

Stephanie,my deepest condolences.Perhaps you'll forgive me some reminiscences of the memories I have of Dartmouth and of your husband's unique and unforgettable character. Hoping this might let you know how much and well, he meant to others.

Your husband was an unforgettable part of my life freshman year at Dartmouth. We had our "freshman trip" together and he was, forever for me, "the best-looking guy at school." He was so fond of the outdoors,even then. Though he 'returned' (very mildly) some attention to my infatuation, he was clearly just being tolerant. His heart was clearly for Maine and folks there I did not know. I truly believe that anyone,having met John, would recognize the humor lying behind (and often expressed) the very tough and strong demeanor which spelled his persona and was ,and still is now and ever, unforgettable and influencing,setting a model worthy of emulation. Then, to a young and infatuated girl, he was the beginning and forever memorable start to my Dartmouth life. Thank you, and him...

John was a fellow college classmate and fraternity brother. Looking back thirty years, the one word that comes to mind when thinking of John is, "gentleman". I will always remember him that way.

I offer my sympathy and condolences to John's wife and family. To others reading this, appreciate what you have and who loves you, TODAY. There may not be tomorrow.

Stephanie, Geoff and Andrew,
Hollis and I are deeply saddened to hear of John's passing. We were delighted to reconnect with John at last year's Orthopedic meeting and ski with you at Sugarbush. Gillian, our oldest daughter, is applying to colleges in Maine in great part because of her conversations with John.
I came to know John's integrity and passion for medicine when we roomed together in Boston in 1980. He was a wonderful man as all of the messages in these postings attest. Hollis and William Potter ('79)

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

We are grateful to Dr West for replacing two knees for my wife, Irene!
We were told that "West is Best!" and we found that was correct! Our prayer for the family is for Peace which God will give when you ask Him!

To the West Family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Dr. West was a remarkable man, loved and respected by all who had the opportunity to meet him. He touched and made so many people healthy. Sincerely,

John & Peggy Clark Sidney, ME.

To Mrs.West and her sons, Dr.West will be missed terribly
He was a wonderful Doctor and man...When I had an appt. with him he would talked about doing things with his family,
especially his son''s. Our deepest sympathies and our prayers go out to his wife,son's and his Mother and the rest of his family.....Muriel and William Merrrill.

We are so deeply sorry to hear of Dr. West's passing. He was my son's and my daughter's doctor while in school at the UMaine. We felt as if he was part of our family. So sorry to hear this sad news. Our deepest sympathies go out to the family. We mourn with you this great loss. All our love. The Dimitrakos family.

To the West family, we send our deepest sympathies and prayers on the occasion of the passing of a remarkable college classmate. Marcela and Ted ('79) Wills

Stephanie, Andrew, & Geoff,
Words can not alone express the heaviness in my heart for your family. You've been in our thoughts and prayers since learning of your loss. Please know our sympathies are with you and we will never forget how thankful we are for knowing you. Condolences, The Townsends, Kevin, Kathy, Kurt & Kyle.

I only had the pleasure of meeting you 3 times during my recent knee surgery; however, I knew that you were a talented and confident surgeon from the moment I met you. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time of tremendous loss.

John was more then a skilled physician and friend. He touched the lives of so many in the area. We are going to miss John on the sidelines and in Clinic here at UMaine. The numerous athletes he cared for over the years are deeply saddened. I will miss you as a friend and Mentor John. Rest in Peace. The Sports Medicine staff at U Maine will always have fond memories and a few funny stories.
He spoke often and proudly of his family. Our thoughts are with you and we are very sorry for your loss.

To the West Family,
My deepest Sympathy for your loss of Dr. West. I had only been introduced to him while my mother was in the hospital having total knee construction surgery back in May, 2009.
He was such a respected and caring doctor. I knew that my mother was in good care. May God Bless each of you, and keep watch over each of you in your time of sorrow.
Best Regards,

To Stephanie, and Family-
It is with such sadness that condolences are sent to you. It is true that Dr. John West was perfectly lovely. Many were blessed by having known him- both personally and professionally. His deep caring will always be remembered, conveyed by his dark eyes, and bright smile. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you and your family, at any time.
~jan Pelletier

I just want you to know that I am deeply sorry to hear about John, and I am thinking about all of you constantly. I did not have the opportunity to be around John much, but the few times I was, I remember him as being very kind. I will always remember the week that I spent up in Maine with all of you when Sara was young. He was tremendously accomplished in so many things, and his absence will be felt permanently. I know that you had a hand in all his many accomplishments, and those are the things to focus on now.
I do not know how any mother could cope with this type of thing, but I just want you to know if there is anything I can do, please do not hesitate. I am sure right now, everyone must be in a state of shock and just trying to get through the next few days. I do care about you very much, and your family, even though we are separated by distance and circumstance. Please forgive me if this note sounds awkward---I really don't know what to say, to tell you the truth. I just want to let you know you are in my thoughts and my prayers, and in the prayers of many others, and I am here if you ever need me.

To the West Family, So very sorry to hear about the loss of Dr West. He was wonderful to me when I went back for a follow up on my knee surgery. My prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Ellen Hartery Bangor Maine

Drew and Geoff,
You and your mom need each other the most right now and please remember that you have numerous friends to lean on as well. Our thoughts are with you and your mom. You both made your dad very proud.

I had the privledge of working for Dr. West at OA for a short time and he was also my son's doctor for four years. Everyone has suffered a great loss for he was one of the most compassionate, respected, caring, doctor's in his field. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Dr. Lash, the Boys and staff at this very difficult time.

I am so sorry for your loss. I was friends with John 25 years ago and will always remember the special way he had with people.