Rick West was my brother-in-law's father. Over the many years I knew Rick and Alyce, I enjoyed many happy meals in his gracious home. Rick was a wonderful host, welcoming and calm and always a thoughtful and stimulating conversationalist. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Professor West was very influential in my life. He was patient, so kind and helpful. He encouraged me to succeed in biology at a difficult time in my life when I considered quitting college. Thanks to Professor West, I persevered and had a rewarding career. I hope his family finds some comfort in my expression of much appreciation and sympathy. Judy Brown, UR 1965

West,  Warwick “Rick,” Professor Emeritus at the University of Richmond, died Saturday, December 29, at age 96.  Born in a log cabin in Campbell County near Evington, VA, he was predeceased by his wife of 67 years Alyce Liggon Johnson and his parents Warwick and Otelia (Woodford) West. He is survived by son W. Reed West III (Terrie); daughters Leila Denton (Otey); and Jane Sawyer (Don); and grandchildren Kelley Morris, Stephen Sawyer (Agnes), Carol Sawyer, and William “Hank” West.  Dr. West was a 1943 graduate of Lynchburg College and received his PhD from UVA in 1952.  He served in WWII with the USMCR, 1943-46, fighting in the last great battles on Okinawa. After joining the University of Richmond faculty in 1952, he chaired the Department of Biology from 1966 to 1988. A founding member of AAUP there, he was also a member of Sigma Xi, the Virginia Academy of Science, and the Association of Southeastern Biologists. Dr. West was a lifetime member of the Navy and Marine Corps League and a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Henrico, where he sang in the choir for 50 years. He will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved him.