Russell "Rusty" Lee West

Rusty was a fiercely independent thinker and passionate individual who loved world travel and good food. He produced over 100 paintings during the last decade of his life. Music inspired his life at every stage and he passed on his love of music to his children and grandchildren. Rusty was an enthusiastic explorer of the mind and heart. He loved his family, the outdoors, storytelling, socializing, and adventures with friends. He dreamed of a free world and encouraged critical thinking. Rusty influenced everyone he met and will not be soon forgotten. 

Rusty’s daughter Patricia spent the week before Thanksgiving with him. During the visit, he said to her, “I’m happy. I have everything I need. I basically got to retire early. I do whatever I want all day. I eat like a king. There’s nothing else I want.” Patricia asked him if there was anywhere else in the world he would like to visit if he could. He said he’d love to go to the Incan ruins at Machu Piccu in Peru. She asked if he would be ok with his ashes being scattered there once he passed away, so that he could send the girls on one last adventure. He smiled and said, “That would be cool”. Patricia, Alyssa, and Kristin will scatter his ashes at Machu Piccu in Summer 2015.

He is survived by his parents, Pat and DC West; sister, Lynda Lindsey; brother, Brett West; daughters, Alyssa West and Patricia West; ex-wife, Doris Whitewood; grandchildren, Kristin Bihm and Ayden Janness.

A gathering of Mr. West’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday, December 5, 2014, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A party will follow his gathering at 8:00 p.m. at MacKenzie’s Pub.