CHRISTOPHER WEST OBITUARY
Christopher Dee West
1951-2022
Millcreek, UT-Christopher Dee West passed away December 17, 2022 from prostate cancer at the age of 70. Chris was born December 23, 1951 to Melvin Elmer West and Erminie Odessa Clawson West in Woodland, CA. In 1953, the family moved to Holladay, UT. He enjoyed growing up with a big backyard, lots of friends, and lots of hijinks. Chris delivered newspapers from the time he was 11 until after he married. He loved his time with the Boy Scouts and was proud of his Scouting achievements. Chris graduated from Olympus High School in 1970, then diligently served an LDS mission in the Mexico Southeast Mission from 1971-1973.
After his mission, Chris attended the University of Utah where he studied mining engineering, graduating with a BS in 1976. It was at the U that he met and fell in love with Kathy Rudy. They were married June 24, 1977 in the Salt Lake Temple. Chris and Kathy's prayers were answered in 1984 with the birth of their son Scott. Chris relished being a father. Chris continued his education, earning both an MBA and an MS in mining from the University of Utah in 1987.
Chris worked for Kennecott Copper from 1988 until he retired in 2013. He, along with his team, created the first computer model of the Bingham Mine. He was especially proud of his work that provided jobs to the community and reclaimed the land surrounding the mine.
After Kathy's passing in 1998 from breast cancer, Chris met and courted Marie Bennion Shellum. They married July 18, 2000 in the Salt Lake Temple, and Chris was delighted to become father to Marie's children Cameron and Jessica. The past 22 years with Marie have been filled with happiness.
Chris loved nature and spent as much time as he could outside, hiking, camping, biking, planting gardens, and looking through a telescope. He appreciated trains and took his family to ride the narrow gauge rails in Durango many times. Chris and Marie made theater trips every summer to Logan, Cedar City, and Tuacahn. Chris was a devoted husband and he frequently brought flowers home to his sweetheart. His faith in Jesus Christ sustained him and motivated every action he took.
Chris served his community in many roles. He spent decades in the Scouting program as a scoutmaster and advisor, taking Scott along with him to camps. He volunteered with the East Mill Creek Lions Club and served as president twice. The Lions could use your help with the 4th of July celebration and their fun community traditions! Chris and Scott delivered meals for the Utah Food Bank. Chris was tireless as a home teacher and neighbor; he was known for shoveling snow up and down the street, giving rides, and generally lending a helping hand. Chris and Marie served an LDS mission together in the office of the Salt Lake City East Mission from 2013-2015; they also served later as temple ordinance workers. He was persistent in doing family history research. Chris gave of himself quite literally: in 2016, Chris donated his kidney in a chained donation to benefit his nephew Nathan.
Some thoughts from Chris: "I am grateful for the wonderful people in my life: Marie, Kathy, three children, eight sweet grandchildren, eight siblings (six grew to adulthood), wonderful parents and in-laws. I have had cherished friends, good neighbors, church friends, scouting friends, and enjoyable coworkers. As I move on to the next stage of life, things I have talked about before become real. I am grateful to Jesus Christ for redeeming me from my many faults and sins. I am grateful to him that his mercy will be available to me when my life is judged. My wish for my loved ones and friends is that they will choose to have faith in Christ, to live his gospel, and to receive the blessings that are available to them.
Having cancer has been difficult, but I have learned that when we find ourselves in hard times, it is always best to turn to the Lord, not away from him. I hope I am a better person for what I have experienced. We appreciate the many kindnesses that people have shown to us."
Chris is survived by his wife Marie, and his children: Scott; Cameron (Liz) Shellum with children Grace, David, Emma, and Jane; and Jessica (Geoff) Green with children Katie, Addison, and Gavin. He is also survived by siblings Brook West, Becci Anthon, Pete West, Deborah Wassmer, and Dan West, and many dear extended family members.
A viewing will be held Wednesday, December 28 from 6-8 pm at Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East. Funeral services will be Thursday, December 29 at 11 am, with a viewing prior to the funeral from 9:30-10:45 am, at the East Mill Creek 6th Ward chapel, 3103 E. Craig Dr. A funeral live stream and recording can be found with his obituary at holbrookmortuary.com. Chris will be buried at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Cemetery in Millcreek, UT.
Published by Deseret News from Dec. 21 to Dec. 23, 2022. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/deseretnews/name/christopher-west-obituary?id=38449255
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Dave Jack
Chris was one of my closest friends in High School. We even went to the 50th High School Reunion together. I have been intermittently involved with him for the past 50+ years and was constantly amazed at the efforts that he put forth to help others out. Service to society was his major engagement. The positive effects that he had on me were formidable, and I am sorry to see him pass on. Fortunately, Glenn Philipoom and I were able to visit with him and his close family just before he died. The remembrances of our past history were fortifying, and he will continue to be a positive influence on those of us who are left.
Frank Schmuck
I moved into this neighborhood around 10 years ago and discovered that there were three of our classmates within about a block, one of whom was Chris. He was always upbeat and positive. I would walk out to shovel snow and the sidewalks were already done, both sides of the street by Chris. My favorite Chris moment was when he decided that we needed to have a block party and that my house would be the best place for it. Turned out to be an awesome idea and a great party. We already miss him.