Richard L. West

Richard L. West, age 69 of Grafton, ND passed away on Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at his home in Grafton.

Richard Lee West was born October 19, 1946 in Altona, Canada the son of the late Frederick and Jean (O’Hara) West. He attended schools in Grafton, ND. Richard was united in marriage to Avis Fett on September 3, 1967 in Lawton, ND. The couple made their home in Grafton, ND where Richard worked for Paul Brodeur Construction. He later worked at the Keith Mohagen Gas Station. Richard worked at the Grafton Police Department and retired from the Walsh County Sheriff’s Department after 39 ½ years.

Richard was a member of the Grafton Lutheran Church, Kem Shrine, Grafton Optimist Club, Grafton Volunteer Fire Department and the North Dakota Peace Officers Association.

He is survived by his wife, Avis, Grafton, ND; children; Rhonda Ferber, Thief River Falls, MN; Chris (Ann) West, Grafton, ND; Jana Thorsell (Jason Haats), Grafton, ND; Lee (Abby) West, Grafton, ND; seven grandchildren: Elizabeth, Brady, Alexis, Molly, Sam, Amelia and Cash with another grandchild due in October, siblings: Larry (Frieda) O’Hara, Napavine, WA; Joe (Hilary) West, Spotsylvania, WA; Mort (JoAnn) West, Grafton, ND; Jeanette Didier, Woodward, OK; Sharon (Pete) Johnson, Grafton, ND; Gale (Jim) Johnson, Grand Forks, ND; Linda (Dennis) Votava, Bullhead City, AZ. Several nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Alice Olson, son-in-law, Carl Ferber and brother-in-law, Ray Didier.

Funeral services will be Sunday, June 26, 2016 at 2:00 PM at Grafton Lutheran Church. Visitation will be Sunday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Grafton Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family would prefer memorials directed to the Grafton Lutheran Church, Valley Ambulance and Rescue or Unity Hospital.