William Howard WEST

Funeral services for Hearst-born Wawa businessman William Howard West, 77, were held there Dec. 9, 2002. He died Dec. 6 from a stroke suffered earlier in the week. Born Aug. 26, 1925 in Hearst, he grew up with — and eventually overcame — polio. Joining the Navy at age 17, he saw Second World War action on the Atlantic and English Channel. Moving to Wawa in 1953, he operated West and Co. Clothing until 1985 and also managed rental properties. Michipicoten Fire Dept chief from 1953-55, he continued as a volunteer firefighter until 1972. A member of Wawa's Royal Canadian Legion Branch 429, Woodland (Masonic) Lodge #680, Wawa Rotary, Lions and Shriners, he was described as a compassionate person who loved people. He leaves his wife Doreen West of Wawa, daughters June (Fred) Alteen of Cornerbrook, Newfoundland, Mary Lynn West-Moynes (Doug Moynes) of Port Perry, Annette (Douglas) McLean of Red Deer, Alberta, and Mary Ann (Gregg) Gilmore of Cape Cod, and sons Harvey (Anne) of Sudbury and Wyn West of Kelowna, B.C., and Adrian Holla of Wawa. Also surviving are sisters Gwen (Norman) Durst and Jackie Mills, both of Goderich, and Grace West of Picton, Ont., a brother Terry (Peggy) West of Ottawa, 11 grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Masonic and Legion services were held Dec. 8 at the funeral home. Rev. David A. Pollard officiated the funeral service at First United Church, Wawa. Terry West delivered the eulogy. Interment followed at the Woodland Cemetery.