Charles Russel West 

July 3, 1934-December 29, 2022

Charles "Chuck" West was born in Indianapolis, Indiana to Cecil & Elma (Ethel) West.

He was the only surviving boy in a house full of women... 4 sisters! He attended

Washington High School and escaped the draft by being the only male in the family.

One of his first jobs was as an airplane fueler at the local airport, and one of his loves

was flying airplanes. This profession was not to be, however, because he soon met the

love of his life. Ruth Ann Richardson was carhopping at the local drive in- “Joby’s” and

Chuck said to his cousin Duane: "I’m going to marry that girl..."

That he did, on December 24, 1953. Soon to come were 3 boys: Lenny, Kenny, and

Chuck, all within 3 years. The young couple settled in Lakewood, CA. where he worked

as a machinist. Billy came 14 years later, and around the same time Chuck and

Ruth took on their niece, Rhonda, and she immediately became their only daughter.

Chuck and Ruth decided to take an abrupt turn in their lives in 1971 and opened a local

service business in Mission Viejo, Ca., West Pool Supply. Eighteen years in the pool

business served them well, with some of the boys following in their footsteps.

In 1989 Ruth and Chuck sold the business and “retired” in Morgan, Utah, on the same

street as all their best friends. "Pop" picked up his original craft and opened a machine

shop. He made blades for snowmobiles, airplane parts, and even computer

components.

He enjoyed snowmobiling, golf, hunting, and bowling. He was an exceptional bowler,

with a common score of 298. The "retirement" in Utah lasted until 2006, when they

briefly moved back to CA, and then ultimately settled in Bullhead City, AZ.

Pop enjoyed boating on the river and playing at the casinos in Laughlin NV, but he just

couldn't handle not working. So, he drove a taxi for a while, but his favorite job became

driving a bus full of kids to and from the local high school. He loved the kids on the

bus almost as much as he loved his own.

He worked until he couldn't work anymore, not for lack of effort, but due to the

pandemic.

Chuck and Ruth were married for 69 years on Christmas Eve.

Chuck was an athlete - the "O.G. West." He was a patriot, a patriarch, and a fighter

until the very end. He didn't ask for much, only his sweetheart sitting constantly by his

side. His Faith in God was always evident, and we are confident that he has met his

creator, and is cracking jokes with his best friend Jerry.

He is survived by the love of his life, his 4 boys, his daughter, 3 daughters in law, son in

law, 10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and three sisters: Karol Weiman of

Ramona, Ca., Marilyn Doyle of Ramona, Ca., Vicki Laursen of Sioux Falls, SD..

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Sun & Sail Club Lake Forest, Ca. on Feb 5,

2023 at 1pm. 24752 Toledo Ln. Lake Forest, Ca. 92630

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a small donation be made to Wounded

Warriors in his honor.