Richard "Rick" West

1947 - 2022

Richard "Rick" West

September 3, 1947 - January 22, 2022

Richard A. " Rick" West passed away at his home on January 22, 2022. Rick was born September 3, 1947, to Frank and Marjorie West in Twin Falls, Idaho.

He was raised in Hagerman, Idaho, and graduated from Hagerman High School in 1965.

Dad attended College of Southern Idaho and Idaho State University coming "oh so close" to a degree in psychology with the desire to become a school counselor. He was a member of the Idaho National Guard for six years. Dad will be remembered as a hard worker that took pride in a job well done. In addition to many jobs in his youth, Dad worked at Jones and Sandy's fish farm in Hagerman, owned and operated West End Oil in Buhl, and retired from truck driving a few years ago.

Rick married Arlinda Partin in 1971, they later divorced. From the marriage came two children, Heather and Travis. Dad tried to be a strict disciplinarian, but in the end, his soft heart would give in, and the punishment usually failed to stick. He was a proud baseball dad and pillar of strength for his children.

Rick enjoyed many things in life including music, restoring vehicles, raising cattle, building ski boats with his father, water skiing, hunting, and camping. Animals seemed to seek Dad out and he always had a soft spot for a lonely stray. We grew up listening to stories of Dad's youth. Dad would take beer from his father's grocery store and hide it in the hillsides of Hagerman for resale to other Hagerman minors. If you should run across old cans of beer in the ditches around Hagerman, they just might be one of his.

Rick was preceded in death by his father, Frank West; mother, Majorie Birdge; and brother, Gaylen West. He is survived by a daughter, Heather (Mike) Gouker; son, Travis (Irish) West; sister, Sharron (Gary) Grissom; step-sister, Angie Bridge; grandson, Archer Gouker; as well as several members of his extended family.

Those that knew Rick, which were few, also knew that he chose to live life in his special way. Dad avoided crowds and didn't enjoy being the center of attention.

In lieu of a memorial service, we request that you fill your tank with gas and head on a drive to the mountains or desert. At the first good spot, give a toast to Rick and know that he will be toasting you back.

Dad will be greatly missed by all that knew him. Love ya, Dad!

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Rick's memorial webpage at www.farmerfuneralchapel.com.