Brian Arthur West

Wasilla resident Brian Arthur West, 81, died of Alzheimer’s disease at home on Nov. 19, 2009.

A memorial service was held in his home town in Norfolk, England. The family will spread his ashes in Resurrection Bay at a later date.

Brian arrived in Alaska in 1966, coming from Canada. He initially settled in Anchorage, moving to Girdwood and Cordova and then living out of state before settling in Wasilla. He retired after working in Alaska and around the world as a directional drilling consultant. Brian enjoyed fishing, hiking, hunting and sailing. He served with the Royal British Navy.

Brian was born on Oct. 21, 1928, in Hempton, England, to Arthur and Kathleen (Wright) West.

He is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen and Gundar Clemenson of Wasilla; daughter and son-in-law, Suzanne and Bruce Jordan of Anchorage; grandchildren, Sonya Clemenson, Mariah Barnhart, Sabrina Clemenson, of Wasilla, Tyler Jordan and Kelsee Jordan, of Anchorage; first wife Vera West of Anchorage; sisters Eyleen Dwyer and Judith Madsen, of Norfolk, England; brothers David West, Norman West of Norfolk, England, and Bernard West of Murcia, Spain.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Beryl Barker.

“Brian lived life to the fullest. He loved his family and took great pride in his work. May he rest in peace,” his family wrote.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Alloo Adams and Lorna Brotherwood, whose loving care was infinite in quantity and quality. They would also like to extend special thanks to Jenny McFarland of Jenny’s Home and Mat-Su Hospice. The family requests any memorial donations to be made to Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Agency of Alaska. Arrangements were with Valley Funeral Home and Crematory in Wasilla.