Robert G. (Bob) West

Born on April 13, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, Bob was the beloved son of the late Robert West Sr. and Beatrice Clausen West, and the devoted husband of the late Cynthia West. He was a loving and supportive father to his surviving children, Kelly (Todd) Dzurny of Georgia, Robert West of Illinois, and Jack (Kristie) McKethen of Indiana. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren: Gabriel, Tess, Quinton, and Genevieve Dzurny, and Samantha and Mathew McKethen. Bob is also survived by his brother James (Anne) West, his sister Sandra West, his brother-in-law Bryan (Myles) Mcinerney, and many extended family members. He was deeply loved by all and will be greatly missed.

Bob was proud of his service in the United States Marine Corps as a reservist. He was a dedicated tradesman who took great pride in his work as a highly skilled painting and wallcovering professional. Bob was beloved for his sense of humor and his ability to tell funny stories, and with his big heart and positive spirit, he found joy in bringing comfort to the lives of others. An animal lover throughout his life, Bob and his four-legged companion, Pete—whom he trained as a therapy dog—made countless visits over the years to special-needs children, nursing homes, and individuals in hospice care, offering comfort, kindness and encouragement.

In his personal life, Bob found great joy in spending time with family and friends, fishing, watching Mixed Martial Arts on television, cooking, and quilting. He also loved horseback riding and spending time outdoors. Later in life, Bob checked off another item on his bucket list when he lived on a houseboat for several years, fishing to his heart’s content and enjoying the beauty and peace of the lake.

Bob will be remembered fondly for all of these reasons and so many more. A celebration of life is to be planned in the upcoming warmer months.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.