Obituary of Richard West

Richard G. West, 89, of Roanoke, passed away on Monday, October 17, 2011, at his home. Mr. West was born on February 4, 1922, in Greensboro, N.C., and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1941. He was in the class of 1945, at Virginia Tech, but graduated in 1947, as he was interrupted by proudly serving in the United States Army during World War II. Receiving his B.S. Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Dick was a proud Hokie, a member of the German Club, and ran the mile on the Track Team. Mr. West was instrumental in the automobile industry in Roanoke, and was one of the first dealers to introduce import cars to the Roanoke area. He was the founder and owner of West Motor Sales, and had numerous automobile franchises, finishing with Volvo and Mercedes Benz. Dick was a member of the Kiwanis Club, the Roanoke City Chamber of Commerce, and the Roanoke Country Club. A man who truly loved life and people. Mr. West enjoyed jogging, biking, tennis, roller b1ading and fishing and boating in Marco Island, Fla. Dick was a member of the Second Presbyterian Church for over 50 years, and served as an elder. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Betty Thompson West; his parents, James A. West and Amalia West Rutrough; and his stepfather, Henry Rutrough. He is survived by his four children, Rick West and wife, Brenda, of Charlotte, N.C., Nancy West-Shelly and husband, Greg, of Telford, Pa., Becky Mackey and husband, Jeff, of Roanoke, and Sara West, of Roanoke; five grandchildren, Hunter West and wife, Samantha, Austin West, Zachary Shelly, Laura Shelly, and Greg Mackey; and two great-grandchildren, Parker West and Mason West. A Memorial Service will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, October 20, 2011, at Second Presbyterian Church with a reception to follow in the church Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to Gentle Shepherd Hospice, 6045 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, VA 24019