Richard Alva West

Richard Alva West of Taylor, Arizona, 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on March 13, 2024.  Richard was born November 23, 1940, in Hood River, Oregon.

He joined the Marine Corps in 1962 and served for five years as an F4 Phantom fighter pilot until 1966.  He achieved the rank of Captain.

He married the love of his life, Judith Robbins, on February 5, 1966, in Beeville, Texas.  After serving honorably in the Marine Corps, Richard became a commercial pilot with Braniff International and later with many other private and commercial airlines. Flying was his passion, and this let Judy and himself travel to many places around the world.  He was able to pilot for many celebrities and even for the Saudi Royal Family. 

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, coming from pioneer heritage. He held many positions in the church, here and around the world.  Richard and Judy served a senior mission in the Philippines.

He is survived by his sweetheart, Judith Carolyn West; Children, Sonia, Jeffrey, Keith (Raunlyn), Chad (Rebecca); 14 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren. 

He is preceded by his father, Ralph Claytor, his mother, Marjorie Frances Brower, and his brother James Edward.

A viewing will be held from 6-8pm on Friday, March 22, 2024, at Silver Creek Mortuary, 745 Papermill Road, Taylor, Arizona.  Another viewing will be held 10:00am, Saturday, March 23, 2024, at the Love Lake Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 301 Love Lake Road, Taylor, AZ. This will be followed by funeral services at 11:00 am.  He will be interred at the Reed Hatch Cemetery in Taylor, Arizona.

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