Ralph Wesley West loved life, people, nature, animals, kids, rodeos and his family. If you thought you were his friend, you were. He had an incredible ability to see the best in each person and had a great joy of living.

Ralph, born Feb. 12, 1921, was a Colorado cowboy who met Thelma Gillham when stationed at NAS Alameda, Calif., during World War II. When transferred by the Navy to NAS Whidbey Island in 1943, Ralph and Thelma began their life together in what Ralph called “God’s Country.”

They have lived, raised their family, and enjoyed a community of lifelong friends here on the Island for 66 years. On Dec. 21, 2009, Ralph joined a cadre of friends who welcomed him to Cowboy Heaven. He leaves an empty space in our lives but our hearts are full of the love he taught us to share. Happy trails to you; until we meet again.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Thelma West; his children and their spouses, Charlotte and Robert Eagan, Sherrill and Linda West, Ken West, Linda and Larry Cronin and Brian and Barbra West; his grandchildren, Tammy Johnson, Hilary Parker, Mark Higa, Cody West, Rhea West, Selah West, Payson West, Reece Cronin and Bryce Cronin; and his great-grandchildren, Jarod Johnson and Tayen Parker. Ralph also has extended family in Colorado and California.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Oak Harbor Lions Club and to any children’s organization of your choice.