Wilson, NC/Livonia, NY: After devoting 54 years to the love of his life, his high school sweetheart Susan; pouring his heart into five decades of fatherhood with dad jokes and antics aplenty; cherishing every moment as a beloved Grampy always up for an adventure, Mike West of Wilson, NC died at Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, NC on Thursday, August 19, 2021.
Mike spent his 72 years building a family with Susan and impacting lives wherever he went. He began his extensive professional career at Rochester Products in Rochester, NY before enrolling at Elim Bible Institute in Lima, NY to receive training for ministry. His first pastoral assignment brought him to a small church in Canton PA, followed by a move to Williamsport, PA where he served 10 years as pastor of Agape Fellowship. Subsequent to his cherished time in the church, he returned to his engineering roots spending 13 years at Kidde Aerospace in Wilson, NC where he discovered his passion for Continuous Improvement motivating him to pursue and receive his MBA from Regent University, one of his proudest achievements. Mike advanced his passion at Sikorsky Helicopters in Coatesville, PA, and eventually retired from Nemours Children’s Hospital in Wilmington, DE in 2017, becoming a full time Grampy and Mustang enthusiast. Whether furthering his education, making memories with his family, or preaching the Word of God…his zest for life was apparent.
If you have ever met Mike West, you would know he was a hardworking man who always put his family and love of Jesus first, finding joy in all the little things, like a perfect slice of chocolate cake. He will be missed immensely and never forgotten. He is preceded in death by his mother, Betty and his son, Todd. He is survived by his wife Susan; daughters Leslie, SuAnne, and Molly (Mark Aldrich); son Matthew (Emily) ; father Francis; brothers Brian (Sandy), Daniel (Karen), and Frank (Wendy); sisters Barbara and Colleen Hay (Earl); mother-in-law Frances Ball, sisters-in-law Jackie Peck and Cindy Prunier (Joe), 7 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild.
A private family viewing is scheduled for Friday, August 27, 2021 at Joyner’s Funeral Home in Wilson, NC. A graveside service and burial will be held privately at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery, Livonia, NY. Local arrangements entrusted to the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home, Inc., Livonia. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation in Mike’s name to an organization furthering a cause that was close to his heart JDRF.org. To send a condolence or share a memory, please visit www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
My sincere condolences to the West Family. May God Bless You Always Mike
Our thoughts and prayers go to all the West family on the death of Mike. We lost track of Mike when he left the area but everyone always said he was a good man and helpful to everyone. Such a lovely group of memories to leave behind,!
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Prayers to all of you.
To the entire West family,
There are no words…Mike was love. How fortunate you had him as your husband, father, son, brother, cousin, uncle, and grandpa. Mike was revered by all. I am so sorry for your loss. Heaven is celebrating one of it’s own angels coming back home. He did an outstanding job of loving his friends family here on earth.