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BORN
1937
DIED
2025
Gene West Obituary
July 15, 1937 – February 11, 2025
A legend has passed.
It is with sadness that we share the passing of Gene West Sr. He left this world at home, surrounded by his family. His strong spirit will be missed by all who knew him.
Gene was born in Fort Morgan, Colorado, the oldest of four sons born to Vinita Owen and James West.
In 1943, Gene and his brothers moved to Grass Valley, California, with their father, Jim West. Gene attended Hennesy and Union Hill elementary schools and graduated from Nevada Union High School in 1956.
Gene married his high school sweetheart Linda Hellgren in 1959 who would remain his lifelong love and partner until her death in 2023. They had two children Rochelle West and Gene West Jr.
In the early 1950s, Gene began working as a ranch hand on the Robinson ranch for Guy and Olive. By 1954, he was hired by their son Lowell Robinson and became his second-hired employee, remaining for 20+ years, ultimately becoming one of Lowell Robinson's most respected and trusted friends.
Gene founded his own logging company and sawmill, called Gene West Inc. Through the 1970s and 80s, he had established an international timber export market for white fir through the ports of Sacramento and Stockton. At the time, his company was one of the largest timber exporters in the state, shipping approximately 90 million board feet of timber annually to Japan, China, and Korea.
Gene proudly served in the National Guard for four years.
Gene was a serial entrepreneur, founding several other companies throughout his life, including Animal Carcass Removal.
Gene is survived by his brother Bud West, daughter Rochelle West, Son Gene West Jr., his Grandchildren, Jessica Fiscus, Shandy Vandiver, Jordan Spears, Odessa Spears, Sterling Meyer & Wilder West. As well as his 10 great-grandchildren, Marissa, Kylie, Madelyn, Cody, Tristan, Isabella, Divina, Remi, Maverick and Vaia.
A celebration of life will be held on May 10 from 3PM to 5PM at the Nevada County Fair Grounds Northern Mines Building (Gate 4)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gene West
6 Entries
Lance Ward
May 18, 2025
I had the pleasure of meeting Gene around 1980 . Gene had partnered with my father Ben Ward forming West- Ward timber . I also remember my father and I taking Gene and his son " Buzz" to a 49er game at Candlestick Park. Gene was a very nice man.
He was part of the generation that helped build California through hard, treacherous, dangerous work known as the logging/ timber/ wood chip industry that is just a shadow now of what it once was.
Lance Ward
Chris Satterfield
March 16, 2025
An exceptional gentleman, father, community member and a mentor to a lot of his people in Nevada County. Gene´s been a long time family friend for well over 40 years. Well done, Mr. West!
Tom Donnell
March 16, 2025
A great person and a true Legend who will be sadly missed by his family and friends. He could teach the world about devotion and love to family as well as friends. His brothers were very fortunate to have a role model that inspired hard work that created a bond, and a road to success that many people don't experience. God bless Gene West. Tom Donnell
Greg Steffen
March 13, 2025
The west family is one of the first familys i meet after after moving from Minnisota in 1973 alot of endrance riding event that i crewed for gene and buzzy back in the day he was one of a kind and will be dearly missed the Steffens...
Gary A Graves
March 12, 2025
Great guy. My condolences to his family.
Melissa Silva
March 12, 2025
I am happy to say that I got meet Gene and make cookies for him as he worked on our property. I loved his manner and I see how he will leave a big void in his family. Rest in peace big brother. My sympathy to you Buzz. Hope you are well. LOve, Melissa Silva
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