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John F. West
Born: 9/30/1921
Died: 1/15/2021
Age: 99
Community: Lennon, MI
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John F. West, age 99, of Lennon passed peacefully after a nine day battle with COVID on January 15, 2021. He was born in the family farm house on Lawndale Farm, September 30, 1921. His wish was always to live on the 138 yr Centennial Family Farm until his death and we are so grateful he was able to do that. His parents were Samuel Earl and Blanche (Lawcock) West.
He graduated from Flushing in 1939, and MAC (MSU) in 1941, where he lettered in basketball for two years. On October 30, 1943, he married Dorothy Jean Gould. She preceded him in death August 6, 2013, (2 months short of 70 yrs).
He spent his entire life farming (dairy and crops) and dedicated to public service. For a number of years he was a volunteer fireman for Lennon and Swartz Creek fire departments; for over 25 years he served as a Clayton Township elected official; he served as the Chairman of the Genesee County Board of Commissioners and later as the first County Purchasing Agent retiring in 1986. He continued to serve his community on various boards and commissions. He was a longtime member of the MSU Downtown Coaches Club, serving as the first President not from the Lansing area; also a member of the MSU Rebounders Club; MSU Varsity Club Member for 80 years; life member MSU Alumni Association; MSU lifelong donor; life member of the Michigan Township Association having served as its 13th President; life member of Flushing and Swartz Creek Historical Societies; 73 year member of the Flint Rapids Chapter 116 Royal Masons of Michigan; Elf Khurafeh Shrine member; member of Eastern Star of Flushing/Montrose; board member Michigan Centennial Farm Association and member of State and National License Plate Collectors groups. Mom and Dad enjoyed traveling having visited all 50 States and the Panama Canal, and their many years of tailgating at most home and away MSU football games with many great friends, and snowmobile trips for over 25 years with more friends.
Above all, he cherished each and every one of his family and the many, many family gatherings held at the Farm over the years with the last one being the celebration of his 99th Birthday in September 2020, with most of the extended family present.
He is survived by four daughters, Marcia (Michael) Morris, Patricia (Michael) Rutenbar, Judith (Daniel) West-Wing, Jacklyn (Jeffrey) Brazo; daughter-in-law Rebecca West; 11 grandchildren, Jason Morris, Ryan Morris, Kelly Mallory, Joely O’Neal, Andrew Rutenbar, Mackenzie Watson, Riley Brazo, Alexandra Brazo, Douglas Brazo, Baleigh Brazo and Kenleigh West-Wing; 15 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dorothy; son, Earl West; brother, Merton West; sisters, Audrey Harper, Marion Luce, Beatrice Jones; three step-brothers, Jack, Bobby and Keith Talsma.
The family wishes to thank the many lifelong neighbors, friends and caregivers who all assisted on a regular basis to help us and Dad achieve his wish to live on the farm until his passing. It would not have been possible without each and every one of you.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
The family suggest those wishing to make a memorial donation in Dad’s memory consider the Flushing Historical Society, Venice Township Fire Department or a charity of your choice. |
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1/16/2021 |
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