Assembly Resolution No. 509
BY: M. of A. Byrnes
MOURNING the death of Brian W. West, decorated
Vietnam veteran, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and this
great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Brian William West of Springwater, New York, died on
Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at the age of 74; and
WHEREAS, Born on December 17, 1946, in Rochester, New York, Brian W.
West attended Livonia Central School, and in January of 1964, he
enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.; and
WHEREAS, Brian W. West served with his Brothers in Arms during two
tours in Vietnam; during this time, he was awarded two Purple Hearts, a
Bronze Star with Combat Valor and commendations too numerous to list;
and
WHEREAS, One of Brian W. West's duties for the Marine Corps was
training narcotics detection dogs; he once met President Richard Nixon
and gave him a demonstration of his dog training skills; and
WHEREAS, Brian W. West was honorably discharged from the Marine
Corps in 1972; on August 14, 1971, he married the former Sandra Johnson
and together they raised three beautiful children and celebrated 50
years of marriage; and
WHEREAS, Brian W. West distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, For many decades, Brian W. West was employed as a Security
Guard at General Motors (Rochester Products); and
WHEREAS, Brian W. West's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Brian W. West cared about his community and served as a
Town Councilman for the Town of Springwater in the 1980s; he was
well-known in the Webster Crossing community as a gracious host of
BBQ's, card parties and horseshoe parties; he was always ready to help
anyone in need and often did so without any fanfare or recognition; and
WHEREAS, An avid outdoorsman, Brian W. West loved hunting and
fishing, and rooting for the Buffalo Bills and the New York Yankees; he
also loved to mow lawns and mowed for many people in the Springwater
community; and
WHEREAS, In his retirement, he passed on his love of fishing to his
grandsons, who, as children, went fishing with him and then out to
McDonalds for lunch; Brian took great joy in all his grandchildren and
they truly brought out the joy in him; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his mother, Betty (O'Brien) West, and his
brother, Michael Francis West, Brian W. West is survived by his wife of
50 years, Sandra "Sandy" (Johnson) West; his three children, Brian C.
(Wendy) West, Phillip (Elizabeth) West, and Tara (John) Harnish; his six
grandchildren, Jackson, Cole, Juliette, David, John, and Mary Elizabeth
West; his father, Francis West; four siblings, Daniel (Karen) West,
Frank (Wendy) West, Barbara West Jones, and Colleen (Earl) Hay; three
sisters-in-law, Susan West, Melba Johnson and Iva Johnson; and one
brother-in-law, David Johnson; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces,
nephews, cousins, and dear friends including a very special uncle, AJ
Johnston; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Brian W. West leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he
served and befriended; he will be deeply missed and truly merits the
grateful tribute of this Legislative Body now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Brian W. West, and to express its deepest condolences
to his family; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Brian W. West.