Mr. Richard West

Richard Alfonso West began his life journey on December 4th 1935. He was the first and only child of Alberta E and Temple West. He grew up in the Brewster Projects in Detroit Michigan. Richard attended Salesian Catholic High school in Detroit Michigan. His was baptized and attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church where his family worshiped as well. Richard was an altar boy from grade school through high school. While he was in high school he met and married Nancy Edmonds. To this union two children were born. A son named Richard A West Jr and a daughter Cheryl Willis they both reside in Detroit Michigan. Richard met Patrica L Spurrier his soul mate at the age of 19 at Harper Hospital. They fell in love were married and have been together for over 60 years. In July of 1957 they were blessed with the birth of their first child Ronald A West. Their second blessing, Crystal R Turner was born in November 1964. Richard lived in Atlanta Georgia with his daughter Crystal and son in law William Turner until the Lord called his beloved son home on June 1st 2017. Richard was an intelligent man who liked to laugh and joke with his friends and family he enjoyed his pet Chinese Pug Sarge. He loved to dance and listen to jazz music with his wife. His favorite pass time was cruising on Woodward Ave in his convertible red 2000 mustang. Starting in 1964 Richard worked at the Unioral tire company as a foreman for 16 years. He then began to work for the Michigan Department of Correction for the next 20 years. During this time he worked in the absconder unit as a Sargent. He retired from this position at the age of 65. Over the course of his life, Richard developed an interest in running marathons and half marathons. He ran in the Boston marathon up until the age of 70. He Participated in Triathlons in the city of Detroit and the Detroit Free press marathon. Richard ran a grand total of 48 races from 1984 to 2003. Richard is survived by his beloved wife Patrica L West.; 4 children, Richard A Jr West, Cheryl Willis, Ronald A West, and Crystal R Turner, (William Turner ); Eight grandchildren Fatimah, Toni, Richard 3rd Raymond , Terrance, Ebony, Ashley, and Kim and many great grandchildren.; His cousin, Oranglo Perkins and Eloise Abrams.; as well as lifelong friends, Thad Jones , Donald Gilmore, Ronnie Davis, Tonya Thaxton, Joe Jericho and James Hubble. Richard was a giving and loving human being he had a zest for life which was reflected in his outgoing personality. He had a huge smile and a hearty laugh that we all enjoyed hearing. He was an original, one of a kind man who lived life to its fullest! Funeral: Saturday, June 10, 2017, 11am in our chapel. Visitation Friday, June 9, 2017, 10am-8pm Burial Hillandale Memorial Gardens

Tributes

Mr. Richard West

December 4, 1935 - June 1, 2017