Buddy West

1940 - 2015

Buddy West, AFID, PFCI

1940 - 2015

Buddy departed this life suddenly at home in Palm Springs, California, April 19, 2015 at the age of 74. He was born August 9, 1940 in Burgaw, North Carolina to the late Sally (Futch) West and Festus Haywood West Sr., their only child. The family relocated to Oak Ridge, Tennessee where Buddy would spend his youth and young adult life while graduating from Oak Ridge High School in 1958. He attended Emory and Henry College in Emory, Virginia and served in The Army Reserves. After relocating to Knoxville, Tennessee he began a successful career in the floral industry which was purposely oriented toward interior design. Buddy was a brilliantly gifted man, creative genius and excelled at his craft within the industry while working at several area florists. It became known that he used his talent to create art with flowers and was an industry leader for his knowledge and dedication while being presented with numerous accolades and awards including the prestigious Iris Cup Award from the Tennessee State Florists Association. He held many positions, especially highlighting, on the Redbook / Teleflora Design Teams and with 1-800-Flowers as a floral design trainer traveling across the United States displaying his craft while teaching willing students. His passion led him to attain the credentials with the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) and Professional Floral Communicators - International (PFCI). He relocated to California in 1998 and retired to his most favorite city, Palm Springs, California in 2002. He was active in his community while serving on several boards, political campaigns and as a Commissioner on the Palm Springs Public Art Commission. Buddy visited numerous international cities with friends throughout his lifetime as he enjoyed traveling the world and experiencing what each destination had to offer. Buddy's life touched so many friends through its journey and he will be greatly missed, especially by his closest friends Rod Ferguson, Anthony Griffin and Dave Greiner of Palm Springs, California, Elmer Mullins of Knoxville, Tennessee, Jimmy Owens of Las Vegas, Nevada and John Marsh of Charlotte, North Carolina. Buddy lived life in his own way, to the fullest and always in a happy, upbeat fashion while holding sweet memories of the times he spent with friends throughout it. He was notorious for his sense of humor, easy smile and loved to tell stories of his experiences. And you could be sure at least 50% of every story was true; you just never knew which 50%. An inurnment was held on April 30, 2015 in the Faith and Hope Columbarium at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Cathedral City, California. A Celebration of Life Reception will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2015 from 2:00pm - 5:00pm at Escena Lounge, 1100 Clubhouse View Drive, Palm Springs, California.

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