Richard Michael West

Richard Michael West was born July 12 ^th 1944 in Romsey Hospital, Hampshire, UK during bombing of the area. He was later to develop a great knowledge and interest in the time of the 2 ^nd world war.
Richard passed away Sept 21 ^st 2018 in Victoria Hospice with his wife Patti by his side. He is survived by his wife Patti West, his daughter Andrea Franco (Charley) their sons Kelan and Brendan and his daughter Sara West (Ryan) and their sons Evan and Liam. Also survived by his brother John West and his wife Joy. Also survived by Patti's children, Dennis Korman (Gigi), Gina Cech (Tim), Dan Korman  ( Kristine) and  grandchildren; Courtenay, Kiefer, Taylor, Savannah, Mackenzie, Kaiya, Austin, Faith, Kaleb, and Halle.
Richard is described by his brother, John as; "a lively little boy who tested our parent's patience to the limit but he compensated for this with his lovable nature."
At the age of 16 Richard began a 5-year apprenticeship in the Royal Aircraft Establishment in Farnborough, becoming an electronic technician on rockets during the cold war. Although this was a "Top Security" facility, Richard and his friends managed to cut through the barbed wire fence and bait the guard dogs in order to play golf on the senior officer's golf course just outside of the facility.
Richards thirst for travel, at an early age soon drew him to emigrate to Canada in the early 70s where he married his wife Sandra and had his two daughters, Sara (Ryan) and Andrea (Charley.) The two girls, always the joy of his life, brought the addition of 4 grandsons; Kelan and Brendan (Andrea), Evan and Liam (Sara). Being Papa to the boys brought him such delight and he travelled frequently to be with them.
Canada offered a radical change in career for Richard, when as a young father her took on driving a bus for BC Transit in Victoria. This was a perfect fit for a "people person" like Richard so he consequently continued this occupation for 30 enjoyable years. He often said that he learned the most about life and people while driving the bus. During these years he made many friends, travelled extensively and enjoyed many sports and outdoor activities; golf, skiing, cycling, hiking etc.
Late in life Richard met Patti with whom he shared his love for family, adventure and love of the outdoors. In the 2 years they enjoyed together they delighted in sharing their love with one another while hiking biking, kayaking dancing and travelling.
Richard passed away in Victoria Hospice with Patti by his side and with the love and support of Sara and Andrea and their families and many other family members and many friends, Pastor Rob Szo and his church congregation.
Richard lived his life to the fullest showing genuine care for everyone he met. He lived the end months of his life continuing to show sincere gratitude for everyone who cared for him in his illness.
Always a man of great love he became a man of strong faith and held fast to the end to the hope of eternal life with his savior Jesus.

Memorial Service

10:00 am Monday, October 29, 2018
Church of Our Lord 626 Blanshard St. Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V8W 3G6

Evening Celebration

7:00 pm Monday, October 29, 2018
Swans Brewpub 506 Pandora Ave Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V8W 1N6