CLAUDE JAMES WEST, 87, a longtime Sedro-Woolley resident, passed away on Wednesday April 30, 2003 at the Life Care Center of Skagit Valley in Sedro-Woolley.
He was born on March 26, 1916 in Japan, North Carolina, the son of John & Beulah Pilkington West. Claude was raised and attended school in North Carolina. In 1944 he was united in marriage to Della Wyatt in Clayton, Georgia and they made their home in North Carolina until 1945 when they moved to Sedro-Woolley.
Claude worked for Puget Power until 1947 when he began working for the Northern Pacific/Burlington Northern Railroad. He worked as a section man doing track maintenance and repair throughout western Washington. He retired in 1978 after 31 years of service. Claude was an avid fisherman, spending many hours fishing in the Skagit River and local lakes. He also hand made a variety of fishing lures which he would sell to people and give to friends. He enjoyed attending yard sales looking for that can’t do without item and visiting with his many friends with the same interests.
Claude is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Linda & Dennis Moran and his 2 granddaughters, Heidi & Molly Moran, all of Sedro-Woolley.
2 brothers, Herman & Charles West and 1 sister, Hattie Jenkins, all in North Carolina and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents John & Beulah, 3 sons, Gary Ervin and Ray, his wife Della and numerous brothers and sisters.
The family suggests memorials be made to the Wildcat Steelhead Club.
Funeral services took place Monday, May 5, 2003 at 2:00 PM at Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley. Pastor Richard Coursen of the First Baptist Church in Sedro-Woolley officiated. Interment followed at the Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Share thoughts and memories of Claude and sign the online guest register at www.lemleychapel.com