Donald Merle West

Donald Merle West, the second of 4 sons, was born to Homer and Dorothy West on September 11, 1943 in Wenatchee. On August 1, 2022, at the age of 78, and family gathered around his hospital bedside, he entered into Heaven "My chains are gone, I've been set free." His family moved to Moses Lake in 1952 and Don attended the new public schools. He often talked about the fun he had with friends in the Knolls Vista neighborhood. He graduated from Moses Lake High School, Class of 61, and attended Big Bend Community College. His dad, Homer, instrumental in starting Moses Lake Little League Baseball, had the pleasure of watching Don along with his 3 brothers play and love baseball. For Don, that led to many more years spent at a baseball diamond as a player, coach, a proud parent and grandparent. Along with baseball and sports in general, Don had a deep love for fly fishing in the streams, lakes and rivers of northwestern Montana - a love that continues to this day through his sons and grandchildren. On July 3, 1966, he and Harriet June Higgins were married in the Moses Lake Presbyterian Church and had four sons. He loving supported his family in their activities, events and endeavors. He was involved in the potato industry as a potato inspector and worked as a fieldman for Carnation and then with Washington Potato Growers Association. He also worked for Wendy's when they added the baked potato to their menu. In later years, he worked for Ambitions of Washington as a care giver to developmentally disabled clients. Don loved music and sang in the bass section of many choirs. One of his favorite remembrances was singing "Messiah" with the Portland Symphonic Choir. He also loved to listen to Harriet play the piano and organ. He was most supportive and helpful during recitals, as she gave lessons to her students and when she shared her music with others. He spent countless hours in youth work with Harriet and their sons while at the First Presbyterian Church. He was a member of the Moses Lake Christian Missionary & Alliance Church. During the last fifteen years of his life, he endured and overcame many serious and challenging medical issues including multiple bouts with cancers and a sudden cardiac arrest. He was always positive and a heroic example to many. His favorite sayings were "Life is good!" and "Today is a good day to have a good day!" Family and friends often considered him a walking miracle. In his journey, he was blessed with many knowledgeable, caring, fantastic doctors, specialists and their staffs. We gratefully thank them all and especially appreciated the special care he recently received under comfort care at Samaritan Hospital He is survived by his wife, Harriet; sons and daughters-in-laws Troy (Carrie), Brian, Scott (Shawn) and Cary (Liz), as well as his much-loved grandchildren Nicole, Trevor (Alexa), Brooke, Dominick, Jackson, Grace, Emma, Molly, Joshua, Mitchell, Miles, Maryn and great-grandson, Baylor. His surviving brothers are Bob (Ella) and Thom. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Pete. He dearly loved his sisters and brothers in-laws: Glenn and Gail Garcelon, Brian Higgins and Pam Clayton, Kevin and Wendy Higgins-Haynes, Steve and Karen West and Molly West. He adored his nieces and nephews. He deeply loved his family, friends and thanked God daily for each blessing. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, September 11, 2022, 3:00 p.m. at the Moses Lake Presbyterian Church, 1142 W. Ivy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a memorial gift in Don's name be sent to the Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation, 1031 W. Broadway, Moses Lake, WA 98837

Donald Merle West

September 11, 1943 - August 1, 2022