Brian Eugene West

Brian E. West, 72, took his last flight from earthly ground on Friday, October 13, 2023 with family next to his side.

He was born on January 19, 1951 in Modesto, California to parents Hal and Kay West. His early years were spent living all around the world with his parents and siblings Mike and Pam,  including France where his father was stationed from 1957-1960. He attended many schools throughout his younger years, graduating from Wasson High School in Colorado Springs with the class of 1969. He attended Colorado State University in Pueblo, Co. after high school. He met and married Jill shortly after and to that union had two children, Chris and Katie.

Dad had a great love for the sky, ocean and music. His passion for hang gliding guided him to start Westwind Flight School to teach others. He was a certified aviation maintenance technician, building his first pterodactyl ultralight kit and learning to fly it. His father always said he was crazy because he wouldn’t get on a motorcycle but he would jump off of a cliff with a kite strapped to his back. He was an avid fisherman who would drive all over the U.S. and down into La Paz, Mexico to find a great fishing spot. He worked many years in Environmental Protection in the Bahamas and Kwajelain Island, giving him endless incredible fishing days.

Music was a huge part of his life, he could sing and play guitar like no other which lead him to form a band with friends in high school. The Eagles and Willie Nelson were a couple of his favorites.

He enjoyed watching football and was an avid Denver Broncos fan. You could always catch him in Blackhawk or Cripple Creek playing the slots and poker on his birthday! His family, friends and animals were the most important in his life and  they all knew it.

He was preceded in death by his parents, lifelong friend, Urbo and many furry family members.

He will be forever missed by his children, Chris (Reina) West, Katie (Michael) Madrid, siblings, Pamela West Gruber and Michael & Elizabeth West, grandchildren, Skyler, Tayte, Kale (Mitzy) , Evony, Daegon, Rayah and Ava, great-grandchildren, Riley, Serenity and Cooper, several cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Special thank you to Susan Tigue for her support, help, comfort and love during dads last days.