West has been enrolled as a volunteer at the Gainesville State School since February 2000, where he is a former employee, having worked as a grounds keeper and the warehouse manager. Since his retirement in 1995 he has helped with Catholic religious education of the youth.
He and his wife Mary organized monthly birthday parties on the dorms, as well as Christmas parties. He has participated and organized many Catholic chapel services, ACTS Ministry retreats, as well as mentored many youth while they were here. West has been very active in his church and in the area volunteer resource council, where he is a past president and vice president.
In 2009, West was part of the Group of the Year awards winner for the work in the ACTs retreat. At the volunteer appreciation banquet in October 2015, West and his wife Mary received the Family Volunteer of the Year award.
West is a wonderful mentor, teacher, and council member. He is always willing to lend a helping hand, share a bit of wisdom or listen to anyone who is in need. He has recruited countless volunteers by serving as a role model and a voice in the community about the need for mentors.
West has slowed down this past year due to health reasons, but he is still an active volunteer on the council. We at Gainesville are lucky to have him.