Richard West

Richard Tilden West, 92, of Tunkhannock passed away Saturday, June 1, 2024 at Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Dunmore. He is preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Helene Anne (Hooper) West in 2020.

Known by friends and family as Dick, he is the son of the late Francis and Frances (Hall) West, born on January 30, 1932 in New York, NY.

He graduated in 1949 from the Pingry School in New Jersey and earned his bachelor's degree in architecture from Princeton University in 1953. He obtained a Master in Regional Planning from Cornell University in 1959. In the time between his education at Princeton and Cornell, he served honorably in the United States Navy as an officer.

He began his career in Pittsburgh in city planning and also worked for the mayor's office. Along with his wife, they owned an art gallery, raised dachshunds and Siamese cats. Dick's entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Ideas, Images, and Implications, a logo design company. He was proud to have designed a logo used by the Pittsburgh Police Department.

In 1975, he gained his license to preach and as a minister, he touched countless lives and never hesitated to extend kindness to strangers. After moving to Tunkhannock in the early 80's he had various jobs with one thing in common; talking to people, telling stories and sharing his love and joy for Jesus. His unwavering faith and devotion in helping others led him to teach English in China and embark on a missionary journey to Haiti.

His family will remember his love of gardening, his gift for storytelling and his sharp dressing skills with his love of shoes and stylish bow ties.

He is survived by son, James Woodruff West; daughters, Anne Elizabeth West and husband James Hastings, Mary Constance West and partner Keith Merrifield, Catherine Louise Bombara and husband Toby; 7 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he is preceded in death by brother, Stewart West; grandson, Francis James Laffey; daughter-in-law, Patricia Lynn West.

Family and friends are invited to attend Dick's memorial service which will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 1:00PM from the Sheldon-Kukuchka Funeral Home, 73. W. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, PA 18657 with Rev. Brian Williams presiding along with full military honors.

A visitation will be held from 12:00PM until the time of service on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of his favorite non-profits, Care Net of NEPA, 512 Towne Plaza, Ste 112, Tunkhannock, PA 18657 or Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 30 E.D. Preate Drive, Suite 108, Moosic, PA 18507 whose kind staff helped care for him in his final days.