William Ripley West

In the early morning hours of Tuesday, April 3rd, a very special man - William Ripley West - moved from the loving arms of his wife, Brandi, into the hands of God. It took a massive heart attack to remove him from the life he loved so much.

Rip is survived by his wife Brandi, his mother and father, Francha and Reed West, his sister, Rosalee Ritchie and her husband George, and his nephews Quinn and Luke Ritchie, who were a special part of his life. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles, Tim and Carolyn West, Rip and Laurie Davenport and Dick and Diane Steele.

Born on January 28, 1969, Rip lived in Dallas his whole life, graduating from Highland Park High School, where he was co-captain of the football team and earned his Eagle Scout designation. He attended Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia and then graduated from The University of Texas in Austin.

His professional career was in the insurance industry, where he followed his grandfather and father into the business. Rip was dedicated to his clients and many became his lifelong friends because of the way he cared for them.

Rip deeply loved the outdoors and was happiest when skiing in Crested Butte, spending time at his parents’ home in Kerrville in the Texas Hill Country, or camping with his wife throughout Texas. He became an expert in growing and planting trees and started a small business as a result of his hobby. One of his greatest joys was to give a friend one of his trees, plant it well and watch it grow to maturity.

A gentle giant who was an avid reader, he was always willing to express his viewpoints on sports, politics, books or life in general. His death has left a huge hole in the hearts of those who love him, but we know without a doubt he is now enjoying the glories of Heaven and looking for a new place to plant a tree.

A celebration of Rip’s life will be held at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 W. Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX 75225 on Saturday, April 7th, at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, FriendsoftheBrazos.org; NPS.gov (Big Bend); TPWD.texas.gov.