John Paul West
Published: October 11, 2007
1944-2007
A gathering of friends and family to honor the life of John Paul West of McMinnville will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, at Nick's Italian Cafe in downtown McMinnville. Private family interment will be held at the Yamhill-Carlton Pioneer Cemetery. Macy & Son Funeral Directors is handling arrangements.
Mr. West died at home on Monday, Oct. 8, 2007, of cancer. He was 63.
Born in Madison, Wis., on Feb. 15, 1944, he was the son of John David and Ernestine M. (Houlehan) West. His father was a civilian employee of the U.S. Air Force, and was transferred frequently.
He attended the University of Wisconsin, then enlisted in the Army. He spent a year at the Defense Language Institute, where he studied Russian, then three years in Japan, where he served as a Russian language voice-intercept operator.
When his tour ended, he settled in San Francisco. Then he returned to Japan, where he met and married Maiyumi Matsuda.
He moved to McMinnville in 1978 from California. He worked at Nick's Italian Cafe' until 2002. Most recently, he had worked for Textile Graphics.
He was a founding board member of the International Pinot Noir Celebration. He loved to read, socialize and enjoy the company of friends.
Mr. West is survived by his companion, Sandra Walker of McMinnville, and a half-sister, Joyce Reis of Madison, Wis. He was preceded in death by a sister, Mary McDonough.
Contributions may be made to the John West Memorial Fund, care of Macy & Son Funeral Directors, 135 N.E. Evans St., McMinnville, OR 97128. To leave online condolences, visit www.macyandson.com.