The Sun has Set

February 11, 2009 at 4:44 am Farrin West passed away. He was known by many titles; son, brother, husband, dad, uncle, grandpa, great-grandpa, and more. He was with three of his daughters as he drew his last breath, and was greeted and embraced by his family members in heaven. I testify to you that God lives and that life is eternal, that families are forever! I was able to witness my father testify these things to me the last couple of days of his life, and I am so grateful for that final testimony and gift he shared with me.

Below you will find the life sketch Lynette prepared for his funeral. I wanted to share this!

Farrin W West was born July 6, 1938, in Pleasant Grove, Utah to parents Wilma Hebertson West Wootton and Sherwood W West. He was the youngest of five children. His older brothers are Jack, Leonard and Everett. His sister is Valerie West Bussio.
In high school he participated in track until it became necessary for him to work. He worked full time while finishing high school. He graduated from high school with honors having received straight A’s.
On July 18, 1956, he married LaVee McKinney whom he first met at a basketball game; she was part of the pep club. She was in the Pep Club and he sat behind her; when he asked another girl who “that blonde girl was” he happened to choose her cousin. They met after the game. Farrin attended Brigham Young University on a full books & tuition scholarship. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Mathematics, also from BYU, and an all-but-dissertation PHD from University of Utah in Computer Programming. He was on the leading edge of computer development and worked with high-tech companies on many innovative projects. He was a member of the Utah Army National Guard, becoming a Master Sergeant in the Engineering Corps.
His first child, Loralee, was born in 1959, followed closely by three more - Lynette, David, and Laureen- before finishing school. Farrin & LaVee moved to their home in Provo after Laureen was born in 1963 where two more boys – Daniel and Darrin – joined the family. Except for a couple years in California and American Fork, they lived in that home for over 40 years. His last two daughters – Lisa & Leslee – rounded out the family of 10.
An inventor at heart, he designed and built an early-design Ultra-glider in the 1960s, an off-road vehicle called a Trailmobile in the late 60s, a child-resistant gun safe, and several software programs for newspapers and budgeting. He loved to go hunting with his sons, the procurement of meat being secondary in importance to the experience. Some of his passions included home defense, personal rights and freedoms, preparedness, and raisin-filled cookies. However, his greatest loves were his God, his Family, and his Country.
Dad loved the Lord and strived to be obedient. He had a firm testimony of the Savior and the atonement. Always willing to respond to a call for help, he and his family seldom missed an opportunity to work at the church welfare farms, where his pruning skills became legendary. He magnified his callings and loved to attend the temple. In the last couple of years he became very involved in the church’s online indexing project.
Dad answered many a need for help from family, friends, and even strangers. He would be quick to assist with leaking pipes, broken down cars, or anything else. I recall a time when he came to our rescue at 4:00 in the morning. With temperatures well below freezing, he was out on the ground trying to get the car started for us. When we weren’t successful, he got us to our home safely before returning to his own home, only to have to leave right away for work. This type of service was not unusual for Farrin and he was willing to give whenever and in whatever way was needed.
In the last couple of years, Dad has set an amazing example of love and dedication as he served his wife. Even as the symptoms of Parkinson worsened, he was determined to do whatever he could to show her that he loved her. We will always remember and appreciate that great example of love. We will miss you, Dad; we are happy for you in your new life. We will see you later. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.