Allen West

1931 - 2017

Allen Dee West, beloved husband of Jacquie West (nee Ririe), passed away peacefully at home in Barnwell with his family at his side on Sunday, August 13, 2017 at the age of 86 years.

Relatives and friends were invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Wednesday, August 16, 2017 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. and also at the church prior to the funeral service on Thursday, August 17, 2017 between 9:30 A.M. and 10:40 A.M.

The Funeral Service was held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Taber Stake Centre, 4709 – 50 Avenue, Taber on Thursday, August 17, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. Burial followed at the Barnwell Cemetery.

Besides Jacquie, his loving wife of sixty six years, he will be dearly missed by their children Gordon (Judy) West of St. Paul, Doug (Val) West of Edmonton, Carol (Thom) Evanson of Taber, Joan (Kendon) Bennett of Taber, Brenda (Barry) Clements of Taber, Barbara (Marv) Anderson of Barnwell and Jerry (Maxine) West of Raymond; forty seven grandchildren and eighty eight great grandchildren.

Allen was born in Raymond on March 1, 1931, the ninth of ten children. He was a Raymond boy through and through. Allen married Jacqueline Ririe of Magrath on July 21, 1951 and together they raised their seven children in Raymond. They later moved to Taber where Allen worked for Alberta Sugar Company for forty seven years.

Allen loved and excelled in all sports, especially basketball, winning Canadian National championships three times. He competed internationally many times including the Pan American Games in Sao Paulo and the world championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It was in Manilla, Philippines at the world nationals where he gave away his converse all-star shoes to a young opponent in need before the team left the country. Under his tough exterior, was a kind heart. He was very humble about his many accomplishments. He was taught to work hard as a very young boy and continued that same work ethic throughout his life. Allen and Jacquie taught their children to be honest, to be disciplined and to work. He was loyal to his family, his church and his friends. He leaves behind many who will miss him dearly.