Ronald Christopher West's Obituary
Long-time Maryland resident Ronald West passed away on Saturday November 4, 2023. He had just recently turned 69 years old.
Ronald West was one of three sons born to Donald and Joanne West in Hagerstown, Maryland. He spent his entire childhood there alongside his two brothers, Donny & John West. He graduated from South Hagerstown High School and shortly thereafter he attended Frostburg State. While at Frostburg State he joined the cross-country running team where he earned his nickname, “Bird.” This nickname was given to him because of how fast he ran. He later passed this nickname onto his two daughters, by calling them “T-bird” and “She-Bird.” He religiously referred to his daughters as such from their birth all the way up to his passing. From college he decided to join the army and dedicate his life to serving his country. He spent his early military career traveling the country and exploring places he had only dreamed of visiting. Eventually he would be stationed in Kansas and met his wife of 40+ years, Laura West. Shortly thereafter they married. Laura West was a dedicated and loving spouse and strongly encouraged Ronald to go to Officer Candidate School. Through determination, hard work and the encouragement of his wife, Ronald was able to successfully complete Officer Candidate School and graduate as an officer in the military. He then went to graduate school and earned his master’s degree. Shortly thereafter his first child was born, followed by his 2nd daughter. He spent 18 years as a dedicated officer in the military moving up the ranks to eventually retire under the rank of a major. Through his service, he was given the amazing opportunity of moving across the world with his family. He took his family to such places such as Monterey, CA, Columbus, GA, San Francisco, CA, Richmond, VA and Seoul, South Korea. He did not participate in active combat or wars, but still dedicated his life to his country and loved it tremendously. He was incredibly proud to tell anyone and everyone about his time spent in the military. Ronald and his family then decided to begin civilian life in Odenton, Maryland so that he could be close to his parents and extended family. This is where he would spend much of the remainder of his life.
Ronald West is survived by his daughters, one of which is Christina Vogt, his three grandchildren Mila Vogt, Liam Vogt, Leo Vogt, his father, Donald West, and his wife, Laura West. He will be fondly remembered and celebrated not only for his dedication and service to his country, but for his love for his family and friends, his sense of humor, and the often shared “dad joke.” We love and miss you.
Visitation will be at Lasting Tributes Funeral Care on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 from 7 pm to 8 pm.
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