David F. West, 74

SHEFFIELD, Mass. — David F. West, 74, beloved husband of Barbara Riou West, passed away on November 11, 2018, at home surrounded by his loving family.

Born on May 3, 1944, in Great Barrington, Mass., he was the son of the late Ronald and Elsie Denhardt West. He was a lifelong resident of Silver Street in Sheffield and graduated from Mt. Everett High School with the class of 1962. In high school he excelled in playing the trumpet and gymnastics. Following high school, he attended UMass for two years and then went on and graduated from the Massachusetts Police Academy and proudly served on the Sheffield Police department in the 1970s and early 1980s. He was also a 28-year member of the Sheffield Fire Department and an EMT. After leaving the police department, David received his electrician's license and worked for various local electricians including Seward's, Obanheim's and Blume’s to name a few. He also worked briefly as a landscaper.

David was very involved in Sheffield civic matters, helping to organize the rules and regulations for the Sheffield Planning Board. He was also a member of the Sheffield Zoning Board of Appeals. He was an active member of the Old Parish Church, where he was a choir member.  

David loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed snowmobiling, camping, riding his motorcycle and just being in the woods. His many friends often requested his talents as a Master of Ceremonies for stag parties. He would always find a great story and funny joke to tell. In his spare time, he loved woodworking; his son Andy brought him cedar logs from their woods and he would turn them into beautiful pieces of art. However, his greatest joy in life was his family.

Along with his wife of 54 years, Barbara, David leaves his children: Richard West, Danielle Pedretti (Andrew), Andrew West (Ann) and Kimberly Lavoie (Andrew). He also leaves his adored grandchildren: Matthew and Benjamin Lavoie, Nicholas, Christina and Olivia Pedretti and Samantha Brassard, as well as his sister Diane Smith (David).

Funeral notice: A service celebrating the life of the late David F. West will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2018, at 2 p.m. at Old Parish Church in Sheffield, Mass., conducted by Rev. Jill Graham, pastor. There will be no calling hours. Donations in memory of David may be made to HospiceCare in the Berkshires through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.

The West Family would like to thank all the caregivers at Fairview Hospital, Berkshire Medical Center, Fairview Commons and HospiceCare in the Berkshires. They would also like to thank the staff at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home.