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Alan Ray West
Alan Ray West, of Rockford, age 74, died peacefully February 21, 2021 with his wife by his side. Al was a proud lifelong resident of Rockford and 1964 graduate of Rockford High School, where he met his beloved wife of 54 years, Barb (Bovee) West. He liked to recount happy memories of his time growing up in Rockford, from racing through town on his bicycle to his time at Parkside Elementary to playing quarterback for the Rams at Varsity Field; he liked to tell people about how the 1962 team in the days before playoffs was the only RHS football team to never be beaten nor tied. Sports remained a mainstay for Al throughout life. He was a gifted athlete, having played three sports in high school, and he scored a hole in one at Braeside Golf Club on May 23, 1989. He also coached countless youths and adults. Al had originally planned to become a pharmacist and pursued a chemistry degree, which he finished at Grand Valley State University. He changed career aspirations when he realized the sales industry was a good match for someone who thrived on talking to people. He went on to become a longtime insurance agent in the community. Being a family man was important to Al, who loved his children and was especially glad for what he described as the recent gift of time with his granddaughter Keslynn. He is survived by his wife and devoted caregiver, Barb West; his children, Peg (Mike) Ensing, Chad (Saori) West and Sara (Pat Colon) West; three grandchildren, Miya, Emma and Keslynn; sister, Faye (John) Carlson; in-laws John Minneci, Bill Orvis, Bernie Bovee and Blanche Dame; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Al was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret (Lawrence) Price and Ray (Betty) West, as well as his brothers, Tom West, and Jack Taylor. There will be a private service at 1 p.m. Thursday, February 25, 2021 at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe St., Rockford, Michigan. The funeral service will be live streamed. There will be a visitation time with the family for two hours before the service. Masks and social distancing will be required. Memorials are suggested to the National Kidney Foundation, the American Diabetes Association, or the Wounded Warrior Project.July 11, 1946 - February 21, 202107/11/194602/21/2021
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Alan Ray West
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