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William Ballantyne West, Jr.
William Ballantyne West, Jr.
Obituary
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William West, Jr. Obituary
William is the second child of Will Sr. and Lisa West. He graduated from Alta High School (2008), BYU (2016), the University of Utah School of Medicine (2021), and was finishing an Ophthalmology surgery residency at George Washington University. His examples of service are too numerous to list, but some include his time in the Milan, Italy mission (2009-2011), teaching at the Missionary Training Center, and helping to lead the Y-Serve organization and adaptive aquatics at BYU. He also worked as an EMT at BYU and the American Fork Hospital and he spent time teaching English to medical staff in the Azores.
He was such a fun spirit and could always make us laugh, loved to have fun and perpetually had a bit of a mischievous twinkle in his eye. He was always up for adventure in his own unique way. As a child, this meant venturing to Video Vern's at 6 am to get free popcorn while the rest of us were still asleep. As an adult, this meant Ragnar and Spartan races, midnight cliff jumping in the Mediterranean, and slack-lining across canyons at Lake Powell.
Another uniquely William adventure was his decision to live in an ambulance for much of medical school rather than spend money on rent. His creativity and McGyver-esque skills led to an amazing setup inside the ambulance and expanded to everything he touched, especially gingerbread. His annual Christmas creations with his sister Lucy were something to behold (this year it was a ski slope, complete with ski lifts and skiers). He loved playing with children; they adored him because he wasn't afraid to be silly.
He had an iron will; there was no stopping William or changing his mind when he was determined to do something. This, along with his dextrous fine motor skills, made him a great surgeon.
One of the best things about William was how much he cared and wanted to help and protect people. Friends of William's from all phases of his life - from the garage attendant in his apartment building, to his medical school classmates and attending physicians, to friends and family from all over the world - have shared memories about all of the caring, sharing, giving things he did that meant so much but didn't necessarily get attention. His siblings all feel grateful for his protective nature; we all experienced him taking care of us when we needed it.
In his final words, true to his character, William wanted to protect other medical students and residents dealing with similar challenges. We hope systemic changes can be made to support aspiring medical professionals better. This is critical. We don't want any other families to experience tragedies like this, and we want more good people to make it in the medical profession without having to sacrifice so much of their well-being in the process.
We know our William has finally found peace, and we look forward to seeing him again. We love him so much.
William is preceded in death by his grandparents Ray and Janet Gardiner, and is survived by 28 aunts and uncles, 61 first cousins and their families, as well as grandparents Hugh and Sue West, parents Will Sr. and Lisa (Gardiner), siblings Jennifer (Becca), Peter (Sierra), David (Ivy), George (AJ), and Lucy, as well as his nephews and niece, Noah, Evelyn, and Archer, and beloved dogs Stanley and Piper.
A viewing will be held on Friday, March 8th from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the LDS chapel at 2195 E Pepperwood Drive, Sandy, UT 84092. There will also be a viewing on Saturday morning from 9:30 am to 10:30 am, with the funeral following at 11:00 am at the same location. He will be interred in the Salt Lake City Cemetery beside his grandparents.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Dr. Lorna Breene Heroes' Foundation, dedicated to the professional well-being and mental health of health workers. https://drlornabreen.org/donate/
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Christine Harper
January 26, 2025
Just leaving condolences as a fellow BYU alumni. Sending so much love to your family. William sounds wonderful, and I hope you're finding healing. You are not alone.
Christie
Wesley Dowdy
November 4, 2024
what an incredible, loving tribute to a child of G---. One can only imagine his thoughts at the end of a caring life. We cannot pray for his soul but we can remember his heart, as that is what G-- looks at first. If he was a believer, then our blessings are too numerous to mention. He, as we all do, had a moment of truth and now it is over. What did we learn? A blessed human being was in our midst, and we had limited time to embrace him. I did not know him but I know he had a pure heart. Blessings to the entire family.
DR PENELOPE EDWARDS CONRAD MD
October 16, 2024
Condolences and peace to the beloved family, colleagues and friends of Dr. William B. West Jr. The speciality of Ophthalmology requires superlative medical and surgical skills and intense studies. The AMA needs a reporting forum for the 'social determinants of healthcare' from the physician's perspective in order to protect all physicians from targeted attacks, including but not limited to malicious defamation, that are so covert and destructive that it is difficult to articulate and report even for the most able minded of physicians.
MMarie
October 7, 2024
I did not have the pleasure of meeting this remarkable young physician. I can tell by those who knew him what a loss to the community as the wife of an ophthalmologist ( now deceased) I hope the community will take notice of changes needed. Sending Condolences to the family,
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Karl J Sandin MD MPH
October 6, 2024
My condolences on the death of Dr. West. As a physician and the chaplain for healthcare professionals-in-training for the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, I am only too aware of the difficulties faced by today's doctors and nurses. We remembered him today, on the Feast of St. Francis, at All Saints-by-the-Sea, Santa Barbara California. Rest eternal grant to Will, O God, and may light perpetual shine upon him. May his soul, with the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace; and may he rise in glory. Blessed by those who mourn his death. Karl J Sandin MD MPH
Emily
March 15, 2024
I did not have the pleasure of knowing Will, but I recently heard about his story online. I am so sorry to your family, from all that I have read it is clear that the world has lost someone truly special. You are all in my thoughts and prayers
Jarna Knuteson
March 15, 2024
Will was one of the most kind and positive people I met in the Y-Serve Council. He was always helping anyone he possibly could. I vividly see his Wonderful smile in my memory and can see him laughing. He is so loved! As was written here. He died serving others, as he was training to be a better Doctor. I hope and pray that his family will have peace and comfort as they grieve his passing. So much love here from an old friend of Will's.
jas singh
March 14, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss, I can't imagine how unbearably difficult this must be. I am a foreign medical graduate and although medical school and obtaining the end result is part of the challenge; I have had many mental health challenges myself and upon seeing William's memorial post I tearfully reflected on my own circumstances. I wish your family peace and the presence of the divine.
Mercy B.
March 14, 2024
I didn´t know William personally but his story resonated with me. Like William, I´m a current ophthalmology resident and I know the struggles of sacrificing your own wellness and sleep to meet the demands of residency. I lost a good friend to suicide in medical school and I cannot understand why more changes have not been made to protect residents in medical training. I will continue to advocate for sufficient rest for my colleagues and future medical residents for the rest of my life, and I will always remember William´s story. I am so sorry for your family´s loss. Thank you for sharing his legacy.
natalie menjivar
March 14, 2024
I don't know William, but I will be in the medical field soon. I will always remember him and fight for a change. May the God of the peace that surpasses all understanding fill your hearts. May the Hope of Christ strengthen your family and may his legacy forever change lives. I am so sorry for your loss.
-Future Dr. Natalie Menjivar
C M
March 14, 2024
It is not common knowledge how much medical students and residents go through. I didn´t know William well but went to medical school with him and this is heartbreaking. Nearly every resident I know has been depressed or suicidal at some point in training. Something has to change and attitudes towards residents needs to change.
Heather
March 14, 2024
Hi, I´m just another doctor who doesn´t know William or your family personally but discovered a piece of his story online. I am truly sorry and my heart goes out. Being a physician, at any stage, is utterly unforgiving, and while the reward of helping people is intrinsically fulfilling, it´s sadly not enough to outweigh all the heaviness other aspects that this profession demands. Many thoughts for comfort and strength to you.
GW Ophthalmology Patient
March 14, 2024
Dr. West saw me as a patient at GW last August. I distinctly recall his warm, friendly nature. I am terribly sorry for the loss to his family, friends, and patients like me who got to experience how special he was, and all his future patients who will now never get to know. May his memory be a blessing.
shae
March 13, 2024
I hope he is at peace now. Bless him and send prayers for his family.
Alli Murdoff
March 13, 2024
Passing along my condolences to your family. I did not know your son but I do know Will. I am so very sorry for your loss. I've read the obituary and the dozens of comments. What a wonderful person he was during his time here. Alli Murdoff
Tatiana Rugeles
March 13, 2024
I had the pleasure of working with Will during his first year of internal medicine. I was supposed to be his supervising resident but did not do much supervising since he was on top of every tiny detail of all the patients he took care of, specially on nights. One of my most treasured memories that I will have with me always, is playing this card game "Scopa" at nights when the service was not that busy. Will would bring out the cards and start explaining all the rules, I always lost, of course, and he always won, the enthusiasm he showed explaining this game and his time in Italy made me happy. I am sad I did not keep in contact with him when our roads separated. Will you brought me joy in moments of stress, I hope you are joyful and playing Scopa at this moment.
Mitchell Withers (Kroll)
March 13, 2024
I met Will at BYU through a mutual friend. Will had that special skill where he made you feel like you were the only one that mattered while having a conversation. He always had the brightest smile and was extremely thoughtful. I will miss my dear friend Will immensely.
Joslyn Wilson
March 13, 2024
Will was such a wonderful person to work with in the ER. He was so skilled, very compassionate, and a hard worker---a rare combination. I loved working with him. I cry thinking of the caregiver we lost.
Patty L.
March 13, 2024
I don't know William, but I am in the medical field. It is so very challenging and stressful. I am so, so sorry for what you are all going through.
McKenzie Burian
March 13, 2024
I am a medical student and heard of William online. I wanted to extend prayers to the entirety of William´s family. He sounds like an incredible man who gave so much to our earth. Thank you for sharing his story to help future health professionals.
T T
March 13, 2024
I am a mom in Canada of an aspiring med student. As a family we´ve seen the stress of required perfection already in first year of undergrad. William´s story will be one we reflect on as a family. Please accept our condolences on the passing of your lovely boy. Your stories have shown us just how special he is.
Huynh
March 13, 2024
I got the same birthday with him July 23. He taught me in MTC 2012, I just admire him soooo much, because his love, his service, his testimony about Heavenly Father and so much more. This is a leaf that he went to the scared grove and picked it for me as a gift for my birthday ( and other people is the class too). I still keep it until today in my scripture. I am just so sorry for this happend to your family to have to say goodbye so soon. Rest in peace and will see you soon my teacher.
Internet friend
March 12, 2024
Dr. West, I am but an internet stranger. I will always remember your story. Thank you for your service and commitment to take care of others. You are an inspiration.
Tarah
March 12, 2024
I want to extend my condolences. I didn´t know him personally but as a resident my heart goes out to him, his family and his friends. With the words I´ve read, I have no doubt in my mind he left a remarkable impression on his patients as well. Praying for peace in all of your hearts and minds.
Kevin James Boluyt
March 12, 2024
I didn't know William at all, but I wish I had as he sounds like an amazing person. I feel for you all through this time of sorrow. Praying for strength and healing for the family as well.
~ Kevin, Howard University Medical Student
Rachel Pullab
March 10, 2024
Rachel Pullab
March 10, 2024
Rachel Pullab
March 10, 2024
Rachel Pullab
March 10, 2024
Rachel Pullab
March 10, 2024
Rachel Pullab
March 10, 2024
Will was one of my friends when we studied in Jerusalem. He was known there for being a spirited adventurer and for climbing on anything that could take his weight, whether ancient or modern-he and I and a few others actually got in trouble for climbing on some ancient stuff for a picture once. At the end of the semester, our activities committee gave a yearbook-style award to every one of the 82 students on our program. Will´s award was "Most Likely to be Found on Top of the Dome of the Rock." Will also gave us our semester anthem by playing "You and I" by Ingrid Michaelson on the ukelele everywhere we went. For the informal talent show, he invited everyone who wanted to join to come up on stage and sing it with him. That is so emblematic of Will-he was always bringing people together and making them smile. Our last night in Israel, a few of us went into West Jerusalem to play as street musicians for an hour or two. A man with a video camera asked if he could film us singing. This was the result: https://youtu.be/J7C6s8VZIFc?si=jvJ3lUYJNFmR3NDo
I will miss Will. I haven´t seen him for a long time, but I have always thought of him as a friend. I´m not sure it was possible for anyone who met him to think of him in any other way. I am crushed to know that he was going through so much that he didn´t feel he could stay. I will try to reach out in love and joy to everyone around me as he did, and hope that I can spread just a bit of the happiness to others that he did to me.
Jessica Huang
March 10, 2024
I worked with Will our intern year on one of our harder internal medicine rotations. I remember being in awe of how he managed to be so soft and caring when the rest of us were some of the worst versions of ourselves. Despite the already long hours, there were multiple days Will stayed late to call families to give them updates about their loved ones in the hospital. When I tried to offer to call them for him so he could go home on time, he said "they know me and are expecting to hear from Dr. West." Simple as that. So he stayed several hours late for multiple days so that those families could hear the same doctor's voice. Working with Will, I know that he touched innumerable patients' and families' lives and as co-residents, we were unbelievably lucky to have him as a colleague and friend. He was truly the best of us
Neil Horgan
March 9, 2024
Will was my first ski friend. The one who didn´t ditch me when I changed to snowboarding. He was a wonderful friend and someone who always showed love for everyone.
Nilam
March 9, 2024
I didn´t know him but as a medical educator and an emergency physician I understand the why. His hope will not be forgotten as I will continue to make it my mission to protect our mental health as a profession.
Sending you deepest condolences for the loss of your beloved William.
Williams family
March 9, 2024
Williams family
March 9, 2024
Williams family
March 9, 2024
During the very beginning of the COVID quarantine, Will took our family to Goblin Valley to hike the slot canyons Ding and Dang. When we couldn´t reach across the canyon walls Will held us on his back and in his arms to keep us from falling into the cold water below. I remember being so scared to fall into the cold water and when my short legs couldn´t reach across the slot canyon walls, Will put me on his back while holding a plank position. His arms were shaking with the weight of me on his back as he scooted along the wall. He let himself climb across the wall with my entire body weight on his back shaking from the weight, probably on the verge of falling, but he was willing to do that just so that I would be comfortable and safe from the cold but harmless water below. He was so willing to put everyone´s needs above his own to make us feel safe and loved. When we finally got back to our air b n b hours later, he taught us to make berry milkshakes and play the board game pandemic. He was always making up games for us to play (SCRUD, blow pong, etc.) and things to do together. He was so kind and patient and loving to even the least of us. Even though we only spent a few short months with him, he changed our lives and we will never forget how happy he made each of us even in some of our roughest times during Covid.
Angie Fagerlin
March 9, 2024
I absolutely loved having Will as part of our population health pathway. We were so lucky to have four years of dialogue, interaction, and laughs. He kept in touch a little during his residency and I was so impressed by his applying the principles we taught to his work and to educating his fellow residents (as reported by Will). He truly cared about all patients and improving their lives. He was also just a joy to be around. I will miss his light in the world. To his family, I have been down this road of mourning and it is incredibly tough. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Mehdi Tavakoli
March 9, 2024
I was honored and grateful to work with Will in his last two months as one of his mentors. Will was a very smart, personable and caring person.
He taught me how greatly you can suffer deep wounds and yet giving, serving patients, caring for your peers and be a good person.
In particular in the past month, we dealt with a few underserved and uninsured traumatic patients who could not see outside providers. I was witnessing how Will was treating them kindly, generously and comprehensively. He spent several hours in the emergency room to prepare an intravitreal injection for one of these patients who developed infection after trauma to the eye. His treatment tremendously improved that patient´s eye and this was about a week before his departure. He did not stop fighting for his patients and serving them until the last day.
Dear Will, we miss you buddy. We know that you are in rest. You will be forever in our hearts and inspire us.
Sam Edward Mansour
March 9, 2024
He was a very kind & thoughtful physician who was indeed blessed with gifted hands. I forever will remember him as the epitome of what a caring physician is to be. I am thankful that I had the privelege of working with Will as his attending. Rest in peace.
Dília Kelly Oliveira
March 8, 2024
Conheci o Will nos Açores, ilha de são Miguel. Ele ensinava a nossa turma inglês com seu jeito descontraído, com imensa alegria e falava com todos. Uma pessoa de muita simplicidade e amor. Tinha muita dedicação em que fazia. No final do curso fomos na despedida de todos. E ficávamos tristes pelo Will e seus colegas irem embora. Ele era uma pessoa tão querida que não estou acreditando que teve este acontecimento. Ele está em minhas orações
Awais Riaz
March 8, 2024
Not surprisingly, I am shocked at hearing of Will's passing. I remember him well for his smile and his opinions when I facilitated the medical student group in the Medical Humanities course at the University of Utah. May he rest in peace. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Karla Chamoun
March 8, 2024
I met Will during our intern year as we both rotated through internal medicine wards. Despite long hours and heavy workloads, I will always remember Will as a kind, hilarious, pure soul who always managed to make you smile, no matter how sleep deprived we all were.
William Baumann
March 8, 2024
Will´s going away talk for his mission is, to this day, the best talk in the LDS church I have ever heard. He combined spirituality, intellect and emotion into a perfectly understandable and succinct blend that moved me more than anything I had heard before or since.
francis filloux
March 8, 2024
Dear West family, I am so saddened to know of your loss. Will was certainly a remarkable person as testified to here by so many who loved him deeply and benefited from his generous kindness. My heart goes out to you, francis filloux
Robert Thomasian
March 8, 2024
In memory of Will, an extraordinary person. As a medical student under his guidance, I was deeply influenced by his kindness, patience, and profound knowledge. Will was not just an outstanding resident; he was a skilled educator. I am grateful for the time I spent with him. I am so sorry for your loss.
Marissa Firlie
March 8, 2024
I was lucky to have been able to work with Will on my very first day of Ophthalmology. He went out of his way to teach me (the medical student) about the eye and how to conduct a proper retinal exam, and he always made an effort to make me look good in front of the attending (a characteristic of a top tier resident). When we weren´t pleading with patients to allow just ONE MORE person to shine a bright light in their eyes, we were laughing. He showed me so much kindness and patience even on the busy days, and he made me feel like I belonged. It meant the world to me. He kept in touch following my rotation to ask about how my residency applications were going and to offer me encouragement that there was a light at the end of the tunnel. As I begin my Ophthalmology residency next year, I will remember him every time I am assigned to work with a medical student, knowing that I have the power to make them feel welcomed in the way that William did for me.
Michelle
March 7, 2024
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Iris Guerreiro
March 7, 2024
I met Will while he taught English in the Azores; he was not my teacher but we socialised a couple of times, and I remember feeling in awe of meeting a soul so kind as him. It's been over ten years, and we had lost contact shortlty after he left, but I never forgot him, and would wonder from time to time how would he be doing.
I'm just someone that briefly passed in Will's life, and he left a lasting impression on me, I can only imagine the painful time this is for family and friends (he would speak of his siblings with such love and pride).
Bridget Peterson
March 7, 2024
I am consumed with memories of Will, as I am sure everyone who knew him is. I feel jealous of the memories others are sharing of him because I want him all to myself - but part of his beauty was that he was so personable and inspirational. We are all so lucky to have these memories and we can pour the immense energy he dispersed into everything we do moving forward. He lives on and I will think of him every time I have Ice Breaker gum.
Bridget Peterson
March 7, 2024
I am consumed with memories of Will, as I am sure everyone who knew him is. I feel jealous of the memories others are sharing of him because I want him all to myself - but part of his beauty was that he was so personable and inspirational. We are all so lucky to have these memories and we can poor the immense energy he dispersed into everything we do moving forward. He lives on and I will think of him every time I have Ice Breaker gum.
Mark & Julie Valentine
March 7, 2024
Dear West Family, We are holding all of your in our hearts and prayers. Will enriched the lives of our family, specifically our children Grant and Joy. He was a light. We pray you feel an abundance of love at this incredibly heartbreaking time. We love you - Mark & Julie Valentine
Jeffrey Crippen
March 7, 2024
Will was in the first Y-Serve Service Council that my Dad, Chris Crippen led. At the time I was a newly graduated HS senior preparing for a mission. I remember when he came over for a summer BBQ and for "Christmas with the Crippens" at our house. He had such an enthusiastic and silly personality and my siblings and I all loved being around him. I remember us thinking he reminded us of Matt Meese, the then star of BYU´s "Studio C", which was the highest complement in our eyes. Being around Will made me even more eager to attend BYU, which I applied to and earned my bachelors in Public Health from, and to serve in Y-Serve, where I directed the Adaptive Show Choir. I too am in grad school in a health profession at the moment and feel bitterly for the suffering he must have experienced. I know he continues to serve and delight others in his exuberant way now, and look forward to seeing him again. God be with you till we meet again, Will.
-Jeff Crippen
Emily Hopkins Johnson
March 7, 2024
Sending lots of love and condolences. I first met Will at Alta Apartments at BYU and we were friends while we both lived there. Will was always friendly and smiled and laughed easily. I have happy memories of our friendship there. He is a great guy and will be missed by so many!
Laurel McFarland
March 7, 2024
One day a few years ago I stopped over at the West's home and Will was on the living room floor working on a quilt. He was cutting out pieces of cloth in various shapes, a beautiful design from his own mind! I remember thinking how inventive and brilliant he is... and always will be.
April Jones
March 6, 2024
Dear friend,
I am at a loss for words to express the depth of my emotions after learning about your untimely passing. Your sweet and kind nature was a rare gem and will forever be a source of inspiration for me. Despite your hectic schedule, you always took the time to listen to me talk about my son and his achievements. Whenever you asked me to schedule an emergency surgery or call a patient, I would always reply, "I got you," and we would do our signature fist pump. I would always check on your well-being, and even at the slightest sniffle, I would suggest, "take some elderberry."
We used to share so many laughs over the silliest things, things that would make me laugh so hard that my eyes would fill with tears. But today, as I think about those memories, I can't help but feel the pain of your absence. It's a pain that's indescribable and all-consuming.
You were a beautiful and kind spirit, and I am grateful that I got to know you. Your unwavering kindness, gentle nature, and compassionate heart will forever inspire those around you, even in your absence. I hope that wherever you are, you have found the peace and happiness you deserve and watch over us with a smile. Your memory will forever be cherished and celebrated.
Thank you for being an inspiration, my dear friend. I want you to know I got you!
Tamer M
March 6, 2024
Dear Will, it was such a pleasure working with you as your attending at GW over the last 2 months. You exemplified what it truly means to be a caring, personable and kind physician. You approached people with tenderness and care despite your own internal struggles. I just wish I had the opportunity to work with you more, even if just to show you how much you had to look forward to. You were talented as a surgeon and always strived to be better. You never found it too cumbersome to help anyone when needed either. We will miss you my dear friend. Rest in peace. I´ll be praying for you!
Danilo Morães
March 6, 2024
Danilo Morães
March 6, 2024
Will was one of my two teachers at the MTC back in 2012. He has since been a role model of patience and devotion. I still remember how easy it was to communicate with him even though I didn't know English at the time, because of his patience and affection. He will be missed.
George Gallagher
March 6, 2024
George Gallagher
March 6, 2024
George Gallagher
March 6, 2024
George Gallagher
March 6, 2024
I had the opportunity to meet Will during his time doing residency at the VA here in Maine. We talked about fishing and a friendship grew. We had the chance to go fishing a couple times and share some fun times together. I am truly sorry for the loss of such a great man and a great Doctor.
Valeria Martínez
March 6, 2024
I was a colleague of Will during Residency. One of the many times I saw Will and said hi, I told him how Ophtho folks use so many letters and acronyms making hard to understand the notes sometimes. He pleasantly responded: "call me anytime and I´ll explain to you anything that you need, even if I´m not directly taking care of the patient". Thank you Will, for being so nice to work with. You will be remembered.
Jacqueline Fezza
March 6, 2024
I worked with Will as a medical student when he was in his intern year. He was incredibly kind, funny, positive, smart, and hard-working. I am really sorry to hear about this tragedy.
Tarah Burton
March 6, 2024
Will was an amazing resident. I got the chance to work with him as a medical student last year. He was always encouraging and never made me feel like a burden while I shadowed him. His presence will be missed.
Max Wright MD
March 6, 2024
Where can we find Will´s final words? I didn´t know Will but share a similar path. I was an EMT at BYU and about to begin my residency. I am so sorry for your loss and ache for others like Will who struggle through medical training.
Michael Goem
March 6, 2024
Great person and member of GW, sad to hear of your loss. My condolences
Mustafa Hammudi
March 6, 2024
I was a colleague of Will's his first year of residency and spent a little time with him outside of work recently as well. I remember him as a kind, caring person and doctor. He was very highly regarded by all that worked with him, and was an important part of our community. I appreciate the time I had with him and wish we had more time with him.
Luann Jacobs
March 6, 2024
So sorry for your loss! What a light in this world!
Wenda
March 6, 2024
For his huge heart
Alex
March 5, 2024
We were EMTs together at BYU and he was one year ahead of me. I looked up to him as an excellent example and he was a good friend to everyone he met.
Kodi Emerson
March 5, 2024
I will always remember Will by his smile. His smile could light up a room! We worked together at Togus VA just a few months ago. When I saw him without a smile, I would leave a reeses or something sweet on his desk so when he arrived the next morning he had "emergency chocolate " to brighten his day. It was a pleasure getting to know the wonderful human Will was.
Melissa Palmer
March 5, 2024
Will was one of my favorite people to work with in the ED. He was truly an inspiration.
Peter Mortenson
March 5, 2024
Will was a true friend, an amazing missionary, and a great person. I remember going on double dates with him at BYU. I remember him telling me, a dental student, "I don't understand why people hate the dentist! I love visiting the dentist!" I said, "Have you ever had a filling?" He said, "No." "That's probably why." We worked at YServe together and I was always inspired by him.
Chad Hunsaker
March 5, 2024
Will West was a fantastic missionary and a great example to me. I had him as a companion at the very start of his mission. He was kind and committed and wanted to do everything right. Her gave me a tie for Christmas unexpectedly. We got to attend midnight mass in Ancona, survived bitter cold and plenty of rejection. We witnessed miracles and Anziano West helped change lives. He was an example of the believers and a disciple of Christ.
Chris Crippen
March 5, 2024
Chris Crippen
March 5, 2024
Chris Crippen
March 5, 2024
Chris Crippen
March 5, 2024
Chris Crippen
March 5, 2024
Will is a light to all who knew him. He embodied service and was always on the lookout for opportunities to build and lift those around him. I got to work with him for a few years while he was an incredible executive student leader on BYU´s Service Council. He was an ambitious thinker and always made big plans with great enthusiasm. He was consistently very thoughtful in his communication with and outreach to others. Will lived life to the fullest and is a very dedicated disciple of Christ. Until we meet again!
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How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
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Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
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What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
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The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor William West, Jr.'s life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
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