Michael Francis West

Michael Francis West May 24, 1949 – August 19, 2021 After devoting fifty-four years to the love of his life, his high school sweetheart Susan; pouring his heart into five decades of fatherhood with dad jokes and antics aplenty; cherishing every moment as a beloved Grampy always up for an adventure, Mike West of Wilson, North Carolina died at Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, North Carolina on Thursday, August 19, 2021. Mike spent his seventy-two years building a family with Susan and impacting lives wherever he went. He began his extensive professional career at Rochester Products in Rochester, New York before enrolling at Elim Bible Institute in Lima, New York to receive training for ministry. His first pastoral assignment brought him to a small church in Canton Pennsylvania, followed by a move to Williamsport, Pennsylvania where he served ten years as pastor of Agape Fellowship. Subsequent to his cherished time in the church, he returned to his engineering roots spending thirteen years at Kidde Aerospace in Wilson, North Carolina where he discovered his passion for Continuous Improvement motivating him to pursue and receive his MBA from Regent University, one of his proudest achievements. Mike advanced his passion at Sikorsky Helicopters in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, and eventually retired from Nemours Children’s Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware, in 2017, becoming a full time Grampy and Mustang enthusiast. Whether furthering his education, making memories with his family, or preaching the Word of God...his zest for life was apparent. If you have ever met Mike West, you would know he was a hardworking man who always put his family and love of Jesus first, finding joy in all the little things, like a perfect slice of chocolate cake. He will be missed immensely and never forgotten. He is preceded in death by his mother, Betty and his son, Todd. He is survived by his wife, Susan; daughters, Leslie, SuAnne, and Molly (Mark Aldrich); son Matthew (Emily); father, Francis; brothers, Brian (Sandy), Daniel (Karen), and Frank (Wendy); sisters Barbara and Colleen Hay (Earl); mother-in-law Frances Ball; sisters-in-law Jackie Peck and Cindy Prunier (Joe); 7 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. A private family viewing is scheduled for Friday, August 27 at Joyner’s Funeral Home in Wilson, North Carolina. A private graveside burial service will be held at St. Michael cemetery in Livonia, New York at 11AM on Friday, September 3, 2021. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation in Mike’s name to an organization furthering a cause that was close to his heart JDRF.org. Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.