Robert H. West
March 25, 2010
ROBERT H. WEST – in Lexington, formerly of Winchester and Detroit, Michigan, March 25th. Beloved husband of the late Norma R. (Duggan) West. Devoted father of Gary R. West of Springfield, Woody K. West of Seattle, WA, Susan S. Callanan of Cambridge, and Amy J. Rae of Winchester. Brother of the late Evelyn J. Schaffer and dear nephew of William Freimuth and his family of Maryland. Loving grandfather of Gordon and Sean Callanan and Worthy B. Rae. Memorial calling hours will be held at the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn, on Tuesday, March 30th from 4 to 8 p.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to Homes for Our Troops, 6 Main Street, Taunton, MA 02780.
OBITUARY:
Robert H. West, a native of Michigan who had made his home with family in Massachusetts in recent years, passed away peacefully in Lexington on Thursday, March 25th, at the age of eighty-four. He was the beloved husband of the late Norma R. (Duggan) West.
Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he was the son of the late O.K. and Stephanie (Sokolowski) West. At the age of ten, he moved with his family to Detroit and attended military boarding school there. A veteran of World War II, he proudly served in the US Navy.
He met his wife Norma in Grosse Point Park, Michigan, when he asked her to hold his watch while he went swimming. They later married and had many wonderful years together, raising their children in the Detroit area.
Mr. West was an advertising executive in the automobile industry, working closely with the former CEO and Chairman of Chrysler Corporation, Lee Iacocca, for a number of years. An avid sports enthusiast, he had a true zest for life, enjoying boating, fishing, and golfing. He loved vacationing with his family, often to the Ft. Lauderdale, Florida area, and toasting his many friendships. Bob was devoted to his family and was a beloved “Papa” to his grandchildren. His smile would light up a room and he truly loved everyone.
As his health began to decline a few years ago, he took up residence with family in Springfield and Winchester and most recently lived in Lexington at the Golden Living Center.
Preceding him in death were his beloved wife, Norma, who died in 2004, and his sister, Evelyn J. Schaffer.
Surviving are four children: Gary R. West of Springfield, Woody K. West of Seattle, WA, Susan S. Callanan of Cambridge, and Amy J. Rae of Winchester. He was also the loving grandfather of Gordon and Sean Callanan and Worthy B. Rae, and dear nephew of William Freimuth and his family of Maryland.
Memorial calling hours will be held at the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn, on Tuesday, March 30th from 4 to 8 p.m. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to Homes for Our Troops, 6 Main Street, Taunton, MA 02780.
Dear Sue, Amy, Woody & Gary,
So sorry to hear about your Dad. We all go way back from high school & I’ll always remember your Dad & Mom too. How blessed you were to have him out East with you these past years. Love to all, Brenda & the Brumer Family
Dear Callanan Family, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We didn’t have the pleasure of knowing your father, but if he is responsible for his wonderful children, he was a great man, as you all are great people. We love having you in our lives.We enjoy anytime we get to spend with you all.We are deeply sorry, please find comfort in the wonderful memories you all have of him and wonderful times you have shared togeather with him in his life. God Bless. The Ormiston family Jim,Donna,Jessica,Heather
Uncle Bob was VERY VERY special in my live. He was my second father and was always there with advice and a HUG. I still do not know why god takes all the good ones. Well he must of needed another ANGEL. We are thinking of you at this time. Love and prayers, Beth Anne Fleming Burke and family xxoxoxoo
Barry M. Duggan
Uncle Bob, you always had such a nice smile, and you’ll be smilin’ away up in Heaven. Say a big hello to Grandmother Naomi and Grandfather Wayne, and of course to your sweet Norma, my aunt. We’ll all miss you but you are needed upstairs. Your smile will me brighter than the stars.
Gary, Susie, Amy, Woody,
Be at peace, your Dad is OK. I know you know that. Someday again, you’ll see him. But he’ll look a whole lot younger, not olde like Gary.
I love you all. See you soon. God Bless you all.
I’ll miss you, Uncle Bob. I enjoyed all our visits, just wish there had been more of them, we had so much fun at your house. Detroit has a special place in my heart because of you and your family. Lynn Duggan
We will miss you Uncle Bob (as we affectionately called him). He wasn’t actually our uncle but was closer to us and had more of a positive influence on us than many blood relatives. Bob would light up the room with his smile, his eyes and his laugh. We love you. Pat, Lindsay, Spencer and Hunter Fleming, Rochester Hills, MI
A very special man and someone who we will cherish forever. It seems like yesterday (25 years next month) that my maid of honor (sister) and I spent the night at Bob/Normas house the night before my wedding and here Bob had a beautiful breakfast there for us and set out some lawn chairs for some sun before we got ready for the big day. His face always had that beautiful smile and he had a way to light up a room everytime. We love you Bob!!!! God bless you, Eileen, Rick, Jaclyn, Nicole and Jennifer Stratelak, Grosse Pointe, MI
Bobby Jo, the man always had a smile. He was loved by my father, mother, brothers and sisters. He humor, personality and interest in others was contagious. He will be missed, but never forgotten in my heart. My prayers are with BJ and his family. Tim Fleming, Armada, MI