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William West

William George “Bill” West, 84, of Chester and Deep River —treasured husband and father, talented engineer and generous soul—died Sept. 20 at home, surrounded by his loving family. Friends and neighbors have been incredibly supportive. Bill was born Dec. 3, 1937 in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, the beloved son of the late William Henry and Ellen (Haines) West.

Bill graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology with a degree in mechanical engineering. At a young age, he was very mechanically adept. He was able to disassemble and re-assemble car engines with ease. In 1964, Bill and Jane started a business in the powder metallurgy industry, National Sintered Alloys. He co-authored a book on powder metallurgy with Leander Pease III, Fundamentals of Powder Metallurgy. Bill maintained his relationship with his alma mater as a member of the Stevens Alumni Committee, served as president of the Powder Metallurgy Parts Association, and served on the Board of Directors of the Metal Powder Industries Federation.

Bill was a faithful member of the Deep River Congregational Church and a former member of First Congregational Church in Madison. He believed strongly in putting his faith into action. In addition to singing in the church choir and helping the Shoreline Soup Kitchen, Bill always tried to use his talents to improve the lives of others in his community. He was involved in Christian Community Action, the Meals on Wheels program, and assisted Habitat for Humanity. He lent his skills to raise funds for Westbrook YMCA, served as a Board of Education member in Madison, and developed amazing friendships with other community professionals as part of the Madison Rotary.

When not enjoying vintage cars or ski trips, Bill found great peace and joy on the water. He was an avid sailor and longtime member of the Duck Island Yacht Club. In fact, Bill was the recipient of the “prestigious” Golden Duck Award—an honor only a small handful of valiant sailors may claim.

Though Bill loved his work and community, he was undoubtedly a true family man. Nothing brought more happiness into his heart than the love from his dedicated wife Jane West and their beautiful children and grandchildren. Bill was so proud of all their accomplishments and was a source of encouragement and joy for all their successes. He led an amazing life filled with unconditional love and hearty laughter — never forgetting to help and serve his community along the way. Bill will forever be dearly loved and missed, and his memory will never be forgotten. His legacy lives on in everyone who was fortunate enough to know him.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Jane Combs (Ferguson) West; his adored children, Steve West and his wife Karen, Greg West, Jim West and Sharon Calatayud and her husband Tom; his 11 cherished grandchildren; and his niece Rebecca Leigh West-Remmey and her husband Greg Remmey. Bill is also survived by his sister Joan Jephson and husband Bob. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Jonathan West.

All are welcome to join Bill’s family for a memorial service at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, at the Deep River Congregational Church, 1 Church Street, Deep River. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his honor to Deep River Congregational Church or a charity of choice.

Arrangements are in the care of the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home of Centerbrook. To share a memory or condolence message with Bill’s family, please visit www.rwwfh.com.