Hubert “Bud” West
Hubert “Bud” West
CRYSTAL FALLS — Hubert “Bud” West, 86, of Crystal Falls, was called peacefully home to heaven on Monday, July 6, 2020, following an extended struggle with bulbar onset ALS. He spent his final 10 weeks at home, surrounded by loving family (physically and virtually), friends and caregivers.
Bud was born on Nov. 6, 1933, in Crystal Falls, to Aval and Lillian (Villeneuve) West. He graduated from Crystal Falls High School in 1951. He joined the Navy in 1952 where he served four years of active duty followed by four years in the Navel Reserves. He was honorably discharged in 1960.
While stationed at Quonset Point, R.I., Bud met Rita Plouffe, the love of his life. They were married in Lowell, Ma., on Jan. 15, 1956. Upon returning to Crystal Falls, he went into business with his father, Aval, at West’s Mobil Service until selling the business in 1968.
He and his family moved to Lake Havasu City, Ariz., for 1 1/2 years. They moved back to Crystal Falls and Bud entered into the businesses of real estate and financial investments. In 1996 Bud officially retired, selling the real estate office to his son Kenneth.
Bud was very involved as a member of his local church and in many community organizations and events. As a longtime member of United Lutheran Church he served as council president, chair of church properties and was a member of the Senior Choir. He is a past member of the Crystal Falls City Council and Charter Commission.
As a very active member of the Crystal Falls Lions Club, he served as president for two terms, and was the proud recipient of the 2004 Iron County Volunteer Award, the 2005 Lions Club Citizen of the Year and the Lions Club International Melvin Jones Fellowship Award.
He was a longtime member of the Crystal Falls-Iron River Masonic Lodge 385, St. Vincent de Paul Society, the American Legion and VFW Auxiliary, and the Crystal Falls Men’s Golf Club.
Other past memberships included the Crystal Falls Volunteer Fire Department, Forest Park School Board, Iron County Economic Development Corporation, Ducks Unlimited Banquet Committee, Crystal Falls Downtown Business Association, Crystal Falls Museum Society, Iron County Chamber of Commerce (serving as Board of Director’s president twice), Crystal Falls Centennial Committee, and the Men’s Bowling Association.
Bud enjoyed hunting, “putzing,” projects and spending time with “the other woman in his life” … the “Finnlady” Swamp Camp, where many good memories were made with family and friends!
Bud loved his family with his whole heart and is survived by Rita West, his wife of 64 years; his son, Kenneth (Vicki) West, and daughter, Kim (Patrick) Olson, all from Crystal Falls; daughter, Karrie Fabri of Norman Okla.; his brother, Ray of Gilbert, Ariz.; and several beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. He was the proud grandpa of six granddaughters, Summer Olson, Krystle (Andy) Sikora, Samantha (Dan) Shuck, Emily (Zach) Tarter, Amy (Tim) Wheeler, Rachel West (Sean Bocek) and one grandson, Michael Fabri. And the icing on his cake came in the form of seven great-grandchildren, David, Bekah, Jacob and Lizzie Tarter and Claire, Sara and Hazel Sikora.
He was preceded in death by his parents Aval and Lillian.
Bud and Rita have been blessed beyond measure with wonderful friends and family, near and far, who have added so much joy to their lives!
The family would also like to thank the VA Community Living Center staff, Dickinson County Home Care, Carlyn Raduechel, Kathy Miatech and Jerry Nowak (Almost Family) for excellent, above and beyond care! We truly could not have kept Dad at home without you!
Due to Covid-19 concerns, there will be a drive-by visitation held on Thursday, July 16, 2020, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Runkle Lake Park in Crystal Falls. Signage and directions will be given when entering the park.
Private family services will take place Friday, July 17, 2020, at the United Lutheran Church in Crystal Falls. Pastor David Johnson will officiate.
Honorary pallbearers will be Ron Dove, Chris West, Doug Dove, Jeff West, and Dylan West.
Burial will be at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery.
The memorial service will be livestreaming at 10 a.m. (Central time) Friday, July 17, on the Facebook page of United Lutheran Church of Crystal Falls.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Crystal Falls Lions Club, P.O. Box 144, Crystal Falls, MI 49920, or St. Vincent de Paul, 136 Superior Ave., Crystal Falls, MI 49920, or the United Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 390, Crystal Falls, MI 49920.
Condolences may be expressed to the family of H. Bud West at www.nashfuneralhome.net
More information can be found on how to access the livestreamed memorial service online at www.nashfuneralhome.net
The family has entrusted Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Crystal Falls with arrangements.