Leland W. West

Leland W. (Lee) West passed away September 11, 2018 at Madrone Hospice in Yreka. He was 89 years old and a resident of Siskiyou County for 60 years. Lee was born in Isle, Minnesota on March 19, 1929 to Kenneth West and Gladys Brown West. His mother died shortly after his birth, so Lee was raised by his Aunt Opal for a short time until Kenneth married Sybil Thompson. Together they raised Lee and his siblings together with Sybil’s children, Fred, Floyd and Betty. Lee met the love of his life, Ardella (Dell) Mathison in Clarkston, Washington and they were married on May 27, 1949, while Lee was home on furlough from the Army. They were married for 62 years, until Dell’s passing in August of 2011. Lee moved his family from Estacada, Oregon to Seiad Valley when E. E. Lucas (Chick) came to California to log for Hi-Ridge Lumber when they were located in Seiad Valley. When Hi-Ridge moved their mill to Yreka, Chick Lucas moved also, and Lee and Dell later moved to Yreka. When Chick sold his business, Lee walked across the street and went to work for Peters Truck Lines driving low boy. He hauled equipment “to the job”, not dropped off down the road to where it had to be “walked in”! He was a Mason for over 60 years, a Shriner and a member of the Trail Riders. Lee was an avid hunter and loved fishing, things he enjoyed doing with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He enjoyed working with wood, and he was a perfectionist. His entire family has benefitted from his handiwork. After retirement, he enjoyed travelling in his motorhome with friends and family. Like Will Rogers “Lee never met a man he didn’t like”, and made friends across the United States in his travels. He was much respected, much loved and will be greatly missed. He is survived by a son, Lonny West (Sharon) of Yreka, daughters Karen Sherman (Bink) of Sheridan, Wyoming, Kathy Bishop (Tony) of Seiad Valley and daughter-in-law, Janet West of Medford, Oregon. Grandchildren Aaron West (Jennifer), Alana Brown (Robert), Ryan West (Sheri), Angie Boyce (Robbie), Amber Quarterman (Chad), Toni Lynn Downey (Trevor), Ben Bishop (LennyAnn), Megan Silva (Brian), David West (Kassie), Ryder West (Lauren), Tyler West and Jack West, and 33 great-grandchildren and another on the way! He’s also survived by his brother-in-law Donald Mathison of Clarkston, Washington and his loving companion of the last 6 years, Mary Neilson. Mary filled a void in Lee’s life that we never thought could be filled, and they enjoyed their time together to the fullest extent. He is also survived by numerous loving nieces and nephews who had the greatest respect for their Uncle Leland. Lee was preceded in death by his wife, Dell, son Kirk, and his siblings, Lloyd West, Lyle West and Fern Hranac. There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday September 29, 2018 at 2:00 at the Miner’s Inn Convention Center. The family will provide dinner for those able to join us. In lieu of flowers the family asks for a donation to Madrone Hospice or to a charity of your choice.

Leland W. West

March 19, 1929 - September 11, 2018