William West Obituary

William (Bill) West of Douglas, AK passed away peacefully on January 30, 2025, at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy of perseverance, love, and a great sense of humor.

Born in Juneau, Alaska, Bill was the son of Frank Ernest West and Mary Ann (Harris) West and the great grandson of Richard T. Harris, co-founder of Juneau. Bill was of Tlingit and Athabaskan heritage that uniquely tied him to Alaska having both indigenous and pioneering roots to the 'last frontier'.

He was raised by his grandparents, Richard (Dick) and Inez Harris; he learned the value of hard work at an early age, shaping him into the man he became. Carpentry was more than a trade to Bill-it was a family tradition, and a source of deep pride. As a devoted union member of the Juneau Carpenter's Local 2247, of which his grandfather was a charter member, he worked continuously from the age of 17 until his retirement 45 years later.

Bill was at home on the waters of Southeast Alaska, where he found peace in fishing, hunting, and the beauty of the land he loved. But his greatest journey began at the age of 37 when he made the life-changing decision to embrace sobriety. With 46 years of hard-earned sobriety, he became an inspiration for others in the AA community. He didn't just talk about gratitude and second chances-he lived them. His words, "You gotta get grateful!" and "You have to give it away to keep it," weren't just slogans; they were the foundation of the life he built, helping countless others along the way.

Bill's heart belonged to his family, and he leaves behind his devoted wife of 44 years, Karen; his children Kenneth of WA, William of Wasilla, Mari of Juneau, Emil (Rebecca) of South Carolina, Nicholas of Douglas, and his brother David (Barbara) Colley of Luling, LA; along with beloved grandchildren Damian (Ray), Geneva (Caleb), Max, Heidi, Romi, Lindsay, Wesley and Tristen and 4 great grandchildren who will carry his love and lessons forward. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Kenneth, and his son Kevin.

Bill's life was a testament to the power of God in his life, the importance of family, and the grace of gratitude and forgiveness. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Holy Trinity Church on Saturday, February 22nd at 2:00 pm. Please come and share your memories of Bill with his family. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Bill's memory with a donation to your favorite charity or Hospice of Juneau.