Donald West

Donald was loved by many and greatly impacted the lives of those around him as a great husband, father, grandfather and friend.

He was a giver with a big heart and he tried to help the people he cared about however he could. He often gave his friends a place to stay free of charge when they had nowhere else to go.

“When I needed anything, he was the first one there,” his sister Judy Steiner said. 

Donald was a big family man and cared deeply for his children and grandchildren. 

“[He] always made sure his kids had everything that they needed,” his daughter Jenny Bolter said.

One of the things that impressed Vickie West – Donald’s former wife – was seeing how good of a father he was to his daughter Claudia from the beginning. 

“He was always so loving and patient with her,” she said.

Jenny’s most favorite memory of their father further highlights Donald’s love for his family. 

When Jenny came home part way through a school day with a cat when they were in high school, Donald was too shocked to say anything at first. A few minutes later, Donald came skipping through the hallway to Jenny’s room, a big smile on his face, wanting to hold the cat. 

As a husband, Donald was always supportive of his wife, Marta West, and encouraged her to follow her dreams.

Donald’s loving nature was a common theme in how the people that loved him described him, but so was his stubborn streak. 

“Don was a stubborn, gruff guy with a good heart,” Mike Bolter, Donald’s son-in-law, said. 

Another one of Jenny’s favorite memories of their dad was going to a sock hop in Memphis together to watch The Shirelles. They sat at a table full of ladies and while everyone else sang along with The Shirelles, Donald sat with his arms crossed. The ladies at the table called him a “sourpuss.”

Though he could be stubborn and difficult at times, Donald West was a caring man and was deeply loved. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. 

A celebration of life will be held on June 6. Arrangements are under the care of Forest Lawn, Cypress, CA.