David A. West
COLUMBIA — David West was known for his compassion as a family man and educator.
“What can you say, — he was just so brilliant,” said his wife Jane West.
Dr. West of Columbia died Wednesday, June 29, 2011, of polio complications. He was 77.
He taught for 44 years at MU's Trulaske College of Business, where he received numerous awards for teaching and research. Dr. West was active in faculty governance and community service.
“He was one of the most intelligent men I’ve ever known, and a tender-hearted soul,” his daughter, Lori Staub, said. “My children tease me if I cry at a movie or song, but that was him, too. That’s also why he was such an impactful professor because he cared about his students.”
Dr. West contracted polio at age 16 and was in a wheelchair for the rest of his life.
He is remembered as having an influence on campus accessibility. Curb cuts, the ramps connecting streets to sidewalks, were not installed on campus until Dr. West began teaching.
“This is one of the most accessible campuses in the country, and I’d like to think he had a part in that,” his son, Tim West, said.
Lori Staub said that Dr. West even taught her brother to drive from the passenger seat.
Dr. West was born May 3, 1934, to North and Frances West.
In 1953, Dr. West married his wife of 58 years, Jane, with whom he had two children.
Tim West described his father as loving and as someone who never missed one of his children's performances or games.
Dr. West is also remembered as a loving grandfather, who frequently attended his grandchildren’s show-and-tell days. He was known as “Grandpa Buzz” because of the sound his wheelchair made.
Dr. West is survived by his wife, Jane; a son, Tim West and his wife, Susan; a daughter, Lori Staub, and her husband, Karl, of Jefferson City; five grandchildren, Carlie West, Brian West, Patrick Staub, Diana Staub and Kara Staub Bono and husband, Doug Bono; two sisters, Mary Campbell and Carol Lewis; and a brother, Paul West.
Private family services are being will be held on Saturday, July 2, at Parker Funeral Service.
A memorial tribute will be announced at a later date.
Memorial contributions can may be made to the MU-David A. West Scholarship Fund, 109 Reynolds Alumni Center, Columbia, MO 65211.
Condolences can be posted at parkerfuneralservice.com.
