Richard Allen West, age 84, passed away in Billings on March 25, 2023. Richard was born on June 14, 1938 to Alonzo “Buck” West and LaVerne Sorenson West.
Richard was born and raised in Forsyth. He attended and graduated Forsyth High School in 1957. He enjoyed riding his bike and climbing the “F”, and his love of cars.
After high school, Richard joined the Army in 1958, a year later he married his high school sweetheart, Myrna June West in 1959. In the Army, he was a Combat Engineer/Mechanic and served in Korea from 1960-1961. He was later honorably discharged.
He moved to Billings with Myrna and his young son, Tim where he worked for Marigold, Sweetheart Bread, Wilcox Ice Cream, and Frontier Chevrolet. Richard and Myrna had two more boys, Kurt and Mitch before moving back to Forsyth in 1968.
After returning back to Forsyth, Richard worked construction and later hired on the Burlington Northern Railroad. Richard and Myrna raised their boys in Forsyth. He loved being involved with their many activities. He and Myrna are extraordinarily proud of their sons’ accomplishments throughout their lives. Richard is a recovering alcoholic and maintained his sobriety until death for over 45 years, a devoted Christian and involved with helping others through various agencies and AA.
He retired from the BNSF after over 30 years of service. He and Myrna moved back to Billings to be with sons and families. Richard continued to enjoy his family while battling various illnesses.
Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Alonzo “Buck” West and LaVerne West, Brumfield; and Stepfather, Clyde Brumfield.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Myrna (Dobler) West; sons, Tim (Kim) West, Kurtis West (Tracie), Mitch (Jill) West; brother, Ron Brumfield; grandchildren: Amanda, Austin, Jennifer, Stephanie (Andy), Carter, Evan, and Kyler; great grandchildren, Maddox, Ronin, Isla, and Lexie.
A special Thank you to Stillwater Hospice, Bella Terra, VA Medical, Synergy Home care, Canyon Creek Memory Care Center, and local hospitals for playing an instrumental role caring until the end.
A visitation will be on Friday, March 31 from 12-6 PM at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home have been entrusted with arrangements. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website at www.stevensonandsons.com.
Jack and Beverly Nile says
Sending our condolences to all of the family.
Rick Scheidt says
Richard is now with his Lord and Savior
I enjoyed working on the railroad with him and the many discussions we had back in the caboose. My prayers are with your family.
Lynette Kyle says
So many wonderful memories! His laugh, his smile and his love for his family! So many holiday dinners and playing games! Studying the Bible and laughing at his sense of humor! He was one of a kind ! Rest in peace Richard! Love ya!
Robert Dilley says
Rest In Peace Richard! 28 years ago you were my first trainer on the Burlington Northern, loading up on the BN9217 and BN9223 and going to Colstrip to load coal. I owe 22 years working injury free to what you taught me! Thank you so much for the memories!
Danny Johnson says
I have great memories of hanging out at the West house my teenage years. Mr West was an incredible man I remember our conversations about the Bible. What a legacy he imparted to his family. praying peace and comfort for the family.
Ken and Janice Watson says
We are so sorry to hear of Richards passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Myrna and family
Peggy and Earl says
Earl joins me in sending heartfelt condolences to Richard’s family in the passing of your beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather. We want you to know that our warmest thoughts, and heartfelt prayers are with you in your sorrow. May they bring you comfort for now, and courage for the days ahead.
Joan Leinwand says
Sending my condolences.
Deb Gardner says
Myrna ~ Praying for you and your family now and in the difficult days ahead. I’ll never forget our many laughs playing cards. Bless you.
Ted millhollin says
Myrna and Boys
So sorry for your loss. Richard : Go with God old friend you ran the good race
Darla R Ballard says
Sorry to hear of your loss. I used to hear my father Floyd Ballard talk about Richard West and many other friends he knew in Forsyth growing up. We lost my Dad July 4th, 2022. He chose to remove himself from this world. He missed his wife Rose Ballard and was sick.
You and your family are in my prayers.
Neil Weber and family says
Condolences and heartfelt sympathies go out to the West family. I have found memories of Richard growing up. He was always happy and helpful. His laugh and smile were contagious. A great man. RIP
Thoughts and prayers…
Neal and Pam Shelton says
Myrna and family
Our thoughts and prayers for you all.
Stephy says
I’m going to miss you so much grandpa. I’m sorry to my family who lost this amazing man. Rest easy and I love you.
Tracy and Carolyn Hendricks says
We certainly enjoyed knowing Richard and visiting at sporting events and at church.
Jeff Simbalenko says
Richard, I enjoyed being your brakeman. Even though it was only for a few years and hit and miss as being an extra board brakeman was. I still, to this day, can’t make a trip on the rails without, at some point, smiling or laughing to myself remembering working with you. You did make have a way of making it humorous. I wish working on the railroad could still be like like that! You have been and will be remembered by me. So Thank you! To Richard’s family, hopefully you all find peace and realize how blessed you were to have had Richard in your life. May the Lord bless you all!
Gerald Weipert says
Richard’s Family. My father was a good friend of Clydes and I always delighted in the interaction with Richard although he was three years younger than I. We shared railroad careers, but I left Forsyth in 1970 to continue my railroad career in Oregon. Reading about his life refreshed many great memories of the spirited and friendly enounters I had with Richard and Clyde. Always joyful…. Rest in Peace, Richard. God’s blessings upon Myrna and family.
Lynn Fitterer says
Myrna, and family. Our condolences to you and your family. It was a pleasure to work with Richard. Prayers be with you and your family🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
jackie dassinger says
Myrna and family: So sorry to hear of your loss. The photo of Richard is the Richard I remember well. He and the guys solved many of the railroad problems over a cup of coffee at our house. Thinking of you Myrna and happy that you got to enjoy 60+ years with such a good and nice man.
Marc Lentsch says
So sorry to hear of your loss. Richard was a friend and co-worker who taught me about the railroad and we had many great discussions about pretty much anything we could imagine. He made the world a better place and did it effortlessly while battling his own demons. I will iss him and always think fondly of our time together.
Sharon Borla says
Myrna and family, I am so sorry to learn of Richard’s passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
L DON FRAZIER says
I loved my cousi
L DON FRAZIER says
I loved my cousin