Donald Charles West

Don was born June 8th, 1933 in Bell Fourche, South Dakota to Richard and Mary (Vodnansky) West. Despite the hardships common to families during the Great Depression and World War II, Don enjoyed a happy childhood. His parents administered local FDR New Deal programs and Don's participation alongside them fostered a lifelong passion for politics and support of charitable causes. He idolized his older brother Richard and, like him, excelled in high school athletics. Competitive by nature, this enthusiasm for sports never waned. Later, he became an avid golfer and continued to play well into his 80’s.

After high school, he enlisted in the army and served during the Korean War. He was the recipient of numerous commendations, one of which recognized his contribution of ‘outstanding journalistic skill’ as contributing editor of the Stars and Stripes military newspaper.

In early 1955, after having just returned from his tour of duty, he met and married the love of his life, Kathleen V. ‘Kate’ Kelly. They were happily married for 66 years before her passing in 2022. The couple had three boys, Michael, John and James, who they were very proud of, nurtured and loved deeply.

A lifelong Catholic, Don and Kate had a deep faith and instilled principles of faith, charity, compassion, love of family and a strong work ethic in their sons.

Don was driven to succeed. After returning from the War, he applied his considerable natural talent for communication, an engaging personality and ingenuity into a career in business. He went to work in sales at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale, California. Known as the final resting place for Hollywood stars. Don soon climbed the company ladder becoming the youngest ever Vice President of sales while simultaneously getting a college degree, being engaged in civic activities as Rotary president in his community, and raising a family. Thus began a long, successful and fulfilling career in the Mortuary/Memorial Park industry. He was known as a dynamic and innovative executive, who was a prominent local, then national industry leader. He was a mentor to many sales managers and a fixture for many years as a frequent award winner and respected speaker at industry conventions.

Always striving to fulfill his potential, he also started and was owner/operator of several corporations as well as being a successful real estate broker. One of these businesses was with his longtime business partner and dear friend, Richard Sells. These ventures took him all over the country. His leadership and tenacity led to the first ever mausoleum being built in Boston.

After retirement, Don worked for years at a golf club in Florida. This position enabled him to enjoy free membership and the opportunity to travel to play courses all over the country with his golf buddies.

He eventually moved with Kate to New Hampshire. They loved exploring New England and spending time with family.

Don will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and great friend. He loved to read, laugh, tell stories and talk politics and sports. He was a generous lifelong supporter of many charitable organizations, special among them was St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

He was preceded in death by his wife and older brother.

His legacy lives on with his sons, Michael P. West of DeLand, Florida, his wife Michele and their two children, Josh and Kelly, son John E. West of Tilton, New Hampshire, his wife Maureen O’Toole West and their sons David A. West of Franklin, New Hampshire, his wife Mandy M. West, their sons Oliver and Mordecai and their youngest son, Stephen R. West of Ashland, New Hampshire with his two sons Jasper and Ezra West as well as Don’s youngest son James A. West of Asheville, North Carolina and his wife Beatrice.

The family wishes to express deep gratitude to the staff at Belknap County Nursing Home for the exceptional care provided.

He will be buried alongside his beloved wife Kate at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Boscawen, New Hampshire in a private service.