Obituary of Richard Alan West

Richard Alan “Ric” West, 72, of Palmyra Twp., Pike County, died Jan. 21 at home after a long illness. He was the husband of Jacqueline deRoode West, with whom he celebrated 47 years of marriage Aug. 8. Born March 11, 1951, in Clanton, Alabama, Ric was the son of the late Leland Ray Sr. and June Tucker West. He grew up around the country as part of a Navy family before settling back in Alabama, where he attended the University of Montevallo. He and his wife eventually built a loving home on the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack, where Ric worked for decades as a talented carpenter, transforming homes across the Lake Region. He spent many years volunteering with numerous organizations in the area. He served as a den leader and Cubmaster of Cub Scout Pack 229, coached Babe Ruth League youth baseball, volunteered with the Wayne Pike Adult Literacy Program, and served in many roles with Paupack United Methodist Church, including Sunday School superintendent, trustee, and administrative council member. Ric had a wonderful sense of humor that he passed down to his sons, and he regularly delighted his grandchildren by always pulling a quarter or two out of their ears when they visited. He also served as the unofficial family historian, researching and building the family tree and sharing stories from the past. Also surviving are three sons, Brendan and wife, Caitlin, Cumru Twp.; Evan, Washington, D.C.; and Leland, Troy, New York; two grandchildren, Graeme and Felicity West, Cumru Twp.; siblings, Robert West and wife, Doris, and Sheri McKee and husband, Richard, all of Alabama; Randy West and wife, Pamela, Texas; and Nan Witham and husband, Mark, Georgia; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He also was preceded in death by a brother, Leland Ray West Jr.; sister-in-law, Andrea West; two nieces, Elizabeth Ashley and Anna Elise Witham; and a nephew, Robert Earl West. A memorial service will held at 2 PM, April 27, 2024 at the Paupack United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions can be made to Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice Foundation, Cub Scout Pack 229, and Paupack United Methodist Church.