Oliver “Chuck” Charles West

Oliver “Chuck” Charles West was born on September 24, 1932, in Newcastle, Pennsylvania, to Oliver and Ruth West. From a young age, he found joy in simple pleasures like music and basketball. His first job was with a nursery, planting trees, a fitting start for a man who would spend his life building and nurturing. He later worked at Jameson’s Candy and a Buick dealership in Newcastle, where his talent and determination earned him a scholarship to General Motors Institute (GMI) in Flint, Michigan.

It was during his time at GMI that Chuck met Lucille Smith, the love of his life. She was almost 16 when they first crossed paths in a restaurant. When he and his friends were invited to her 16th birthday party, Chuck cheekily asked if there would be food. That playful charm stayed with him for life. Their relationship blossomed as Chuck worked his way through school, hitchhiking between Flint and Newcastle to save money. In December 1951, he gave Lucille an engagement ring for Christmas, and by February they were married in a small ceremony at the Lutheran Church in Flint.

Starting their life together, Chuck and Lucille honeymooned in Newcastle for a few months before returning to Michigan. Chuck took a job as a mechanic at a Chevy dealership while Lucille stayed home with their first child, Linda, born in 1952. Chuck was a straightforward man—he liked his dinner at 5:00 p.m. sharp and preferred a hearty meal of meat and potatoes. However, when business slowed at the dealership, Chuck lost his job. It was a challenging time, but his resilience shone through. He eventually landed a job at IBM, repairing typewriters, where he found his stride professionally.

At IBM, Chuck’s work ethic and skill earned him respect and admiration. During this time, his family grew with the births of daughters Sandy and Char. Chuck’s dedication extended beyond work; he poured his energy into transforming their house into a home. He added a garage and extra rooms, always striving to make his family’s life more comfortable.

In 1968, Chuck’s career took a significant turn when he was promoted to branch manager at the Grand Rapids office. The family moved across the state to the house where he would spend the rest of his life. As a manager, Chuck was a respected leader and mentor. Some even saw him as a father figure. One of his memorable sayings was, “There are two ways to do things: the wrong way or my way.”

Chuck’s interests outside work reflected his industrious and creative spirit. He continued improving his home, enclosing the porch and adding more features. He loved spending time with his family. Known as “The Whistler” among family and neighbors, he always had a tune on his lips. His meticulous nature extended to tracking details like the make, model, year, and color of every car he ever owned, and he generously allowed his kids to drive his new cars. Golf was another passion, and in 1980, he achieved a hole-in-one at Saskatoon Golf Course. Winter brought snowmobiling adventures, adding to his repertoire of hobbies.

In 1987, after 31 years at IBM, Chuck retired early at 54. Retirement didn’t slow him down. He embraced his love for flight, celebrating with a hot air balloon ride and later earning his pilot’s license. He even built an UltraLite plane and took his grandchildren for rides. Chuck and Lucille traveled extensively, exploring places like Italy, Greece, Paris, and Alaska. Summers were spent camping with Sandy’s family, while winters in Florida brought involvement with the Nazarene Church in Bradenton. They participated in church trips, including a Work & Witness trip to Germany, and Chuck stayed busy with home projects both in Michigan and Florida. He continued golfing well into his 80s and enjoyed watching basketball and football on TV.

Chuck was a man of few words but a big heart. He quietly supported his church and several charitable organizations. Despite health challenges in his later years, he faced them with a smile and unwavering determination. Chuck could fix anything, from furniture to computers, and often said he would have been a carpenter if life had taken a different path. He remained curious and engaged, learning about computers and investments, and readily offering advice when asked. Throughout his life, Chuck’s adventurous spirit took him across the globe and into the skies. At 92, he embarks on his final journey, soaring with the angels. He leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and the countless lives he touched.

Oliver “Chuck” Charles West, age 92, of Grand Rapids, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Ruth West; and his siblings, Shirley Rodgers and Robert West.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 72 years, Lucille; daughters, Linda (Michael) Konyndyk, Sandy (Dan) Wynia, Charleen (Mark) Jennings; his five grandchildren, Michele (Dan) Terpstra, Kari (Ben) Stuart; Heather Wynia and Christopher Wynia; Kelly (Travis) Schoenborn; seven great-grandchildren, Lily Yamazaki, Lucas Saganski and Logan Saganski, Cassidy Stuart, Ryder Schoenborn, Calah Schoenborn, and Oliver Schoenborn; sister-in-law, Patricia West; and many loving family and friends.

Memorial services will be held Thursday, December 26 at 11 a.m. at MKD Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Drive NE, Belmont, MI, with Rev. Zach McNees officiating. Relatives and friends may meet the family for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Hospice of West Michigan and Gilda’s Club. The family would like to say a special thank you to hospice caregivers Courtney and Danielle for their excellent care given to Chuck.