Robert West

Bob West was a fighter. He was a man who faced many challenges in his lifetime, yet enjoyed many triumphs, as well. Bob fought for his country, he fought for his family, and he fought for his health, always determined to clear whatever hurdles he had ahead. He was a proud veteran, and a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. Most of all, he was a man who never gave up, and taught us to do the same. Bobs story began on a cool spring day in 1932, in the shoreline city of Muskegon, Michigan. Those were trying times in this country, which was caught in the teeth of the Great Depression, with little hope on the horizon for many Americans. Yet on April 17, 1932, Earl and Ruth (Robideux) West found a little hope, with the birth of a baby boy, a son they named Robert Arthur West. Bob was joined by his brothers Jack and Jerry in the family home. When he was little, however, his parents divorced, and Bob was raised for the most part by his Grandma Johnson. Bob grew up in Muskegon, and attended Muskegon Heights Schools. After he graduated from Muskegon Heights High School, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army, having witnessed the heroism of his older peers in World War II. Bob proudly served his country for two years in Korea during the Korean War, a service he remained proud of the rest of his life. After he was discharged he returned home to the sandy shores of Muskegon, and promptly found a job. Bob worked a few various jobs upon his return, and got his personal life off to a new start, as well. He met a woman named Flora LaVentis, and they soon began dating and eventually married. The couple became the proud parents of four fine sons, Chris, Phil, Todd and Tony, who were born between 1957 and 1965. Bob was such a proud father, and his sons meant everything to him. The family lived in nearby Norton Shores, and Bob provided for his clan by working as a shipping clerk at Brunswick in Muskegon. Eventually, Bob found a better job working as a machine operator at HempCo, a company in Holland. Bob and Flora divorced in 1976, but he remained a big part of his sons lives. He also wasnt meant to be alone for long. One night he went to a local club called The Patio, where he met a wonderful woman named Lynn Frazer, a single mother who worked at Olin Mills Photography. They struck up a conversation, hit it off, and began dating, and it wasnt long before they were in love. The two were married on September 3, 1977, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, beginning many happy years together. The newlyweds lived in Fruitport for a time, before settling into the Arlington Estates community in Muskegon. Bob and Lynn enjoyed their free time together, and became regulars at Russ and Fricanos Pizzeria, two of their favorite restaurants. Bob was also a longtime member of the Fruitport VFW, where he enjoyed spending time with his friends there. Bob had many friends, but his best friend was Larry Doornbos, and they always had a good time together. In the early 1980s, Bob began having some health problems. He was determined to not let them slow him down too much, as determined as ever to fight. He continued on for a few years, but in 1992, he and Lynn moved to Jefferson Towers, a retirement apartment community in Muskegon. Living there was much easier for Bob, where he and Lynn enjoyed playing bingo often. Most of all, Bob loved seeing his children and especially grandchildren, who he was enormously proud of. He talked about them often, especially his granddaughter Angela, who was studying to become a doctor. When his great-grandchildren arrived, he was so proud and thrilled by them, as well. Bob even shared a birthday with his great-grandson Jason. Gradually, Bobs health continued to decline. Every time he had a health problem, it seemed as though he could rally from it and persevere, ever the fighter he was, but slowly they took their toll on him. He was eventually admitted to Muskegons Hackley Hospital, where he sadly died on Saturday, January 19, 2008, at the age of 75. Bob was a true fighter, who faced his challenges head-on, bravely and quietly. He fought for his country, for his family, and for his health, with great determination and character. Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, a man who never gave up, and taught us to do the same. He will be greatly missed. Bob is survived by his wife, Lynn; 4 sons, Chris (Cathy) West of Muskegon, Phil (Loraine) West of CO, Todd (Patricia) West, Tony (Lorrie) West, both of Muskegon; stepson, Scott (Heather) Mergener of Fruitport; grandchildren, Tina, Jackie, Angela, Tony, Scotty; 2 great grandchildren, Jason, Justina; sister, Linda (Pat) McDonald of Sparta; brother, Jerry (Carol) West of North Muskegon; special friend, Larry Doornbos. Bob was preceded in death by his brother Jack in 1984. Services are scheduled for Tuesday, January 22, 2008, 2:00 PM at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Rev. Ronald DePung officiating. Interment at Fruitport Cemetery. Visitation is also Tuesday, two hours prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a memory or photo of Bob, or to sign the online guest book.