Michael Allyn West

Michael Allyn West, affectionately known as "Mike," passed away peacefully in Aspinwall, PA on January 27, 2022, at the Veterans Administration Hospital, Heinz Campus. The second son of the late Gilbert Lorenzo West and Allyne Carolyn Anderson West, Michael was born April 15, 1955, in Pittsburgh, PA. He grew up in public housing in St. Clair Village and Broadhead Manor. Guided by his parents, siblings, and the principles of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, during his youth he was an active member of Ethan Temple in Wilkinsburg, PA. After graduating from Peabody High School in 1975, he married Stephanie Irene Jones who bore him four children. That same year, he joined the U.S. Army, served two tours of duty in Korea, and was honorably discharged in 1979.
Following his honorable discharge, he attended the Veterans Administration Training Center in Little Rock, Arkansas; later he relocated to serve as a police officer for the VA in Pittsburgh, PA., where he managed security for their 6,300-acre installation. In this capacity, he created the training criteria used to maximize the efficient operation of their police force. In 1987, he attended the Allegheny County Police Training Center and then served for several years as a uniformed officer at Pittsburgh International Airport. From 1991 to 1993, Michael studied criminal justice at the Community College of Allegheny in Pittsburgh, PA. He later became a detective for the Allegheny County Police Department where he served until 1997. While there, he conducted investigations of violations of federal and state laws. He also developed and delivered financial crime prevention presentations to corporate fraud investigation units. He was known as a gentle, firm, and fair cop. When he would make a traffic stop, he would always ask the person he stopped: "Ok give me a good story." From 2011 -to 2013, Michael served as a counselor at Allegheny County's Center for Victims of Violence & Crime, drawing upon his expertise to help victims navigate the criminal justice system
Michael was an avid reader and a self-taught scholar of African and ancient history. He loved sharing his knowledge and would hold court teaching and revealing his research and wisdom. He cherished his well-stocked library of books and music. He also taught himself how to build and repair computers and was much sought after for his technical skills. Michael enjoyed international travel, experiencing other cultures, and exploring ancient historical sites.
Michael loved his family and was known for sharing stories about his parents and siblings; sharing childhood memories was a favorite pastime. He loved being a family elder and treasured time spent with his grandchildren to whom he imparted words of wisdom. His final months were spent at the home and in the affectionate care of his cherished, devoted daughter, Erica, whose patience and tireless, loving attention provided him comfort and contentment for which he was exceedingly and most definitely eternally grateful.
Two of his children, Michael Allyn West Jr. and Joyelle West preceded him in death. He leaves to cherish his memory two daughters, Erica Gordon and Monjeana Henderson, both of Pittsburgh, PA., five siblings, Cecilia A. Walls, Derek W. West, Quentin K. West, Lamont A. West, all of Pittsburgh, PA. and Edwin A. West of North Dakota; fifteen grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and admirers including his much loved, life-long friend, LaVerne Baker Hotep of Turtle Creek, PA.
Michael was highly regarded for his brilliant mind and his tender, kind, "in charge" way of being. While he experienced many physical challenges that would have toppled many, he never complained. When asked how he was doing, his favorite response was, "I am blessed and highly favored." And at the end of his life, he stayed in charge, prepared himself for his home-going, said his goodbyes, and declared, "I am ready to go; I want to be free."
To know Michael was to love him. He will be deeply missed and his indomitable spirit will remain alive in our hearts forever.