John Steward West

John Steward West passed away on October 30, 2025, in Bentonville, Arkansas. He was known for his bright mind, kind heart, and the joy he found in sharing stories, music, and knowledge. He passed peacefully surrounded by family.

John was born on September 21, 1948, to Steward J. West and Thelma Florence West. He grew up alongside his sister, Patricia Ann Webster, and his brother, James West.

A lifelong learner, John earned his Bachelor of Science in Geology from Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts. He did graduate work at George Washington University, D.C. and at Harvard University.

From 1968 to 1974, John served in the United States Navy as a Quartermaster aboard the U.S.S. Connole, where he used circular trigonometry and the stars to guide the ship. His service took him to ports throughout the Caribbean, France, Spain, Italy, Greece, the Mediterranean, Africa, and the Middle East. In later years John's knowledge of the stars would amaze his grandchildren.

John built a long and varied career as a geologist, working in the mining and oil industries, for the United States Geological Survey, and for the Environmental Protection Agency for the State of Nevada. An avid hiker, he led Sierra Club hikes in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and helped to build and maintain the Sierra Crest Trail. He was also a musician, a trained minister, an educator, and an avid student of the world. His love of acoustic music began in high school where he played in the school rock n'roll band and taught guitar lessons at the local music store. Years later he would trade his Stratocaster to purchase his first Martin guitar and joined the Northern Nevada Bluegrass Association, in particular the "Monday Night Volunteers" who faithfully performed weekly in local nursing homes, festivals, Nevada Day festivities, and worked diligently to put on the annual Bowers Mansion Bluegrass Festival, which is still going today.

In December 1989, John married Marjorie West, and together they built a life rooted in love, learning, and faith. He is survived by his children, Russell (Kristy) Smith, and Molly Smith; his good friend, Ray Smith; his grandchildren, Dylan, Pryce, Railey, Avery, Rory, and Evelyn; and his brother James West, and niece, Jessica Blake-West.

John's passions were wide-ranging. He was a masterful acoustic and bass guitar player who also played mandolin, banjo, and the didgeridoo (to the amusement of his grandchildren). He also loved hiking, geology, astronomy, trains, and reading, especially books in mathematics, history, and archaeology. He attended 3 years of Missouri-Synod Lutheran Seminary in Indiana and was serving as a vicar in Tennessee when he received his first cancer diagnosis. In 2007 John and Margie moved to Northwest Arkansas to be near family. He continued to serve the community working in testing at NWACC; as a guide at War Eagle Cavern; and a math tutor for Old Tyme Tutor. John and Margie have attended Bland Chapel since 2007 where John played guitar in the Stained-Glass Gospel Band. He also played with the Good Shepherd Pickers in local retirement and nursing homes. He was known in the family as an avid baker of "experimental breads," frequently announcing that his latest creation was a recipe that had been in the family "for the last two hours."

John will be remembered as a brilliant, generous, and gentle man-wise, curious, humble, and always ready to talk, teach, or share a laugh.

John was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Pat. On November 16, 2025, John's brother and friends had a service at the harbor in Boston, Massachusetts. In December 2025, a private internment service with military honors will be held at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri. A memorial service will then be held in March 2026 at Bland Chapel in Rogers, Arkansas.

Memorial contributions may be made to the John Steward West Memorial Fund at Arkansas Music Conservatory in Bentonville, AR. The family extends their gratitude to the physicians and staff of Mercy Hospital, Highlands Oncology, and the Marie and John Carr Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville. The words that will mark John's final resting place aptly say, "A life well lived."