Chris Kendall West Sr.

~ Brother, Father, Grandfather, Entrepreneur ~

Chris Kendall West Sr. was born from the union of Richard and Billie Jean West on May 20, 1958 in Portland, Oregon. He was the 4th of 7 children; and attended King Elementary School, his athletic abilities were envied by his peers, and love of fishing and bike riding carried him through his childhood years.

During his teenage years, Chris attended John Adams High School, where he established a sense of independence. As a mature young man, Chris fathered two children, Arontay and Sheren. In 1977, Chris met his Childhood Sweetheart, Monica Preston. In 1988 Chris and Monica married and from their union, came four daughters; Chrishaela, Shanitra, Patricia and Denaudia.Much later, Chrismarried Elizabeth Palmore, from their union came Chris West Jr.Chris later fathered Chrishawn, his youngest child.

Chris took his responsibility and role as a father and grandfather very seriously, which was evident by their close and long lasting relationships. He truly loved and enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. In 1995, Chris was the victim of a tragic shooting which paralyzed him and changed his life dramatically. Through his belief in God and determination to live, Chris defied all odds by walking again, and thus spent a good part of his life advocating non-violence to youth. Chris used his experience as an example to youth of what gangs, drugs and fast money will get you.

Surrounded by his Children, during the last two and a half years of his life, Chris had made his peace with God and assured his family that whatever the outcome, he was “okay with it”. Anyone who knew Chris knew that he enjoyed life, fast money, good food, treasured his beautiful cars and loved the relationship he had with his girls.He was known as “DADDY” to his children, but to others he was known as “KC” King Chris. He will forever be remembered and cherished by his children, family and friends.

Chris is survived by his children; Arontay Robinson of Portland, OR; Sheren West Ware (Richard Ware) of Raleigh, NC; Chrishaela West (Leron Richards) of Vancouver, WA; Shanitra West, Patricia West, Denaudia West (Kemar Davis), Chrishawn West, Chris West Jr, Shawn Taylor;sister, Beverly Mills; brothers;Gregory West, and Richard West all of Portland, OR; 24 Grandchildren, 2 Great Grandkids and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Chris was preceded in death by; his mother, Billie Jean West; father, Richard West Sr; grandmother, Ozette Strawder; ‘brothers", Gary Jordan, Kevin and Jeffery Best, "son", Anthony Branch, Jr, and "special friend", Anthony Branch Sr.