Donald Eric West's Obituary
Donald (Don) Eric West, age 61, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 2, 2017 at Haven Hospice, surrounded by his two sons who cared for him during his courageous three year battle with brain cancer. Don was born in 1955 in Colorado Springs, CO, to Wilbur (Bill) Clifton and Mary E. West. The West family relocated to Brevard County, FL when Don was two years old. He graduated from Rockledge High School, Class of 1973. During high school, Don worked part time at a plant nursery where he learned that he loved being outdoors and he loved all things that grow. He took those loves and continued his education at the University of Florida, graduating from the School of Forestry.
Following his graduation, in 1979 he was hired as a Forest Ranger in Alachua County. He was promoted at the age of 28 to the District Manager (title later changed to Forestry Center Manager) serving Alachua, Union, Bradford and Putnam counties. Don served the Division of Florida Forest Service in that capacity until his retirement in October, 2014
Don was an avid and skilled carpenter and woodworker, building his own home, furniture, cabinetry and his last project, his dream workshop. He even made sure each retiree from the Division of Forestry received from him a handmade hammock.
Don was a faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church of Gainesville, continuing to teach classes when his medical condition forced him to ride his bike for transportation.
After his faith, nothing meant more to Don than his family. He is survived by his sons, Scott Clifton (Kelli McCrery) West and Eric Alexander West, both of Gainesville. Also surviving are his two sisters, Cindy Flaniken, of Port Orange, FL, and Carol Overacker, of Gainesville. He is survived by nephews Mark (Sarah) Flaniken, of Port Orange, FL, Jared Overacker and Blake Overacker, of Gainesville, Rob Lovett and Jeff Lovett, of Orlando, and nieces, Kim (Ricky) Connor, of Melbourne, FL, and Heather Ross, of Rockledge, FL, as well as eight great nieces and nephews. Faithful by his side was his yellow lab, Sawdust. He was friends to many and will be missed by many.
Celebration of Life services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, February 11, 2017 at Trinity United Methodist Church of Gainesville with viewing and visitation 1 hr prior. A reception will be held at the church after services, and burial will follow the reception at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Archer, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church Living Water International fund for the construction of a well in Don’s memory.
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