Harry Keith West

Harry Keith West, 91 of Lutz Florida, passed away on February 26, 2017. He was the beloved husband of Letha who passed on in May, 2013. Keith was the proud father to Allan and wife Arlene of Ottawa, Canada, Jim "Kimo" and wife Diana of Los Angeles, California and Bob of Hana, Hawaii, grandfather to Steve, Karen, Shauna, Danielle and Shanna; great-grandfather to Christien, Carson, Gage, Jamie, Brooke, Chase and Jackson. He was predeceased by brother, Lynn West of Palm Springs, California. Keith was born in Aylmer, Ontario in 1926, the son of Ethel and Charles West. The military became a big part of his life. At the age of 15 he lied about his age in order to join the militia. Soon after, he transferred over to the Canadian Army Active Service to serve his country in WW II. He was a gunner with the 2 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment working with the Brits in the defense of England . ( Cont’d other side ) It was while stationed at a gun site on the Thames near London that he met his sweetheart and future wife, Letha. While on a day pass he took the underground to north London with a friend. During an air raid, both he and Letha sought shelter beneath the same stairwell. In 1944 the Regiment joined in the invasion of Europe, landing at Juno. They proceeded through France, Germany, Belgium and Holland. When the war finally ended, he returned home to Canada on the Isle de France. Keith also volunteered to serve in the Korean War. He was assigned to the Canadian Provost Corps, a military police unit. After returning to Canada in 1951, he was stationed in Toronto and London, and finally with Security at the National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa. Those who have met Keith have marveled at his many war stories. It became obvious that he had high respect for his comrades and the officers he worked under, most of whom had worked their way up the ranks. He was a avid reader and became very knowledgeable on the subject of Canadian military history. In 1963, Keith and Letha decided to leave the cold of Ottawa behind and move to sunny Florida. He found employment in the insurance business and began a new life. Besides his illustrious career in the Canadian military, Keith had a wide range of interests. His skills as a carpenter were evident in the fine house he built on Brookside Street in London, Ontario and his aptitude for repairing anything mechanical, especially cars and motorcycles. was quite remarkable. His love of gardening bloomed when he relocated to Florida’s semi-tropical climate and he often spent a large part of the day working in his yard. As many of us know, his favorite hobby was woodcarving, a skill that he took to an artistic level. His favorite subject was birds and he created over 200 carvings since his first attempts in 1970. He rarely sold them but instead was just happy to give them away to friends and family. He often created a piece especially for a friend or loved one, which underscores one of his best traits- generosity and kindness. With all his worldly experiences Keith became a great storyteller. His wartime yarns were fascinating, funny and sometimes sad. To him they were just stories but they truly were an important oral history and a valuable first-hand glimpse of the WWII era. He is best remembered though by his endless enthusiasm and support of all his family’s careers, adventures and aspirations- one of his favorite topics of conversation. He truly was proud of them in every way! Allan West has created some excellent family picture books. For one on Keith’s bird carvings, follow this link and use the “Preview” button: http://www.blurb.com/b/461458-birdman-of-lutz‌ Keith West Photo Memories Video: https://youtu.be/SFZp8iyY62M‌