Harry William West

Harry West was born on February 3, 1931, in Lansing Michigan to Harry H. West and Vivian Wright.

He married June A. Cross on June 20, 1953. June was the love of his life, and they enjoyed 63 wonderful and adventurous years of marriage.

Harry graduated in 1949 From Sexton High School in Lansing Michigan. He enlisted and served as a Corporal from May 1951 to May 1953 in the United States Army. After serving in the Army, Harry was employed by General Motors. While at GM Harry completed apprenticeships in machine repair and tool making in addition to taking classes at Lansing Community College. He retired as an Engineer. At his retirement party, June famously retrieved a pair of sewing shears from her purse and cut off his tie in celebration.

Although a lifelong resident of Lansing, Harry enjoyed traveling near and far with family. Harry was always active and up for an adventure. Some of his favorite hobbies were golfing, basketball, tennis, and all forms of biking: cycling, motorcycling and dirt biking. He loved to dabble in photography and was passionate about woodworking, often retreating to his basement workshop to turn out beautiful handmade gifts.

Harry loved his Lions and in his later years was an avid supporter of the MSU Women’s basketball team, holding season tickets for over a decade. He especially appreciated jazz music and passed his love of playing the saxophone down to his grandchildren.

Harry was a beacon of integrity, honesty, working hard (“Don’t leave a job half done”) and love for family. He was constantly learning about new things and remained eternally curious about life. He was quick with constructive criticism and equally quick with accolades; “Ya done good kid” or “How sweet it is!” were favorite compliments any family member felt lucky to receive. He will live on in our hearts, fondly remembered for all the memories and profound lessons he shared with all.

Harry is survived by his daughter Debra (Les) Masters; son William Randal (Aida) West; sister-In-law Barbara Barnes; granddaughters Yanay Weaver, and Shayna (Timothy) Quillin; grandsons Dre Terry, Brice (Erin) Terry and Tyler West and a host of great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Harry was predeceased by his beloved wife June; sisters Barbara Cross and Betty Flowers; sister-in-law Mary Bolton; brother-in-law Duane Cross and parents Harry and Vivian.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to:

Greater Lansing Care Foundation; 4127 Okemos Road Suite 4; Okemos MI 48864 or Hospice House of Michigan, 1210 W. Saginaw St, Lansing, MI 48915

The Family would like to thank the amazing staff of UMH Sparrow Hospital.

There will be no formal service. A celebration of life for family and friends, will be held on Sunday January 25th from 2-5 pm at the American Legion Post 412, 5480 Clark Rd, Bath, MI 48808.