Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

October 28, 2021

On Thursday October 28, 2021, Richard Opdyke West, Jr. (Dick, Poopsie or Opa), of Charlotte, a loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully at age 83. Dick was preceded in death by his father, Richard, and mother Mary . He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Marge, his three children, Lisa West (Mooresville, NC), Jeff West (Lori) (Charlotte) and Jill McNair (Will) (Greenville, SC), His brothers Fred West (Lisa) and John West (Joan) and grandchildren; Westley, Max, Madison, Mary Elizabeth, Virginia and Renna.

Dick was born on June 24, 1938 in Easton, PA to Richard Opdyke and Mary Laubach West. Dick graduated from Easton high school. After graduation Dick spent four years in the US Airforce before studying at Fordham University while starting his career at American Felt and Filter/GAF where he worked for 20 years. His knowledge and success with sales in the liquid filtration industry led him to open his own firm in 1982, Westco Sales, which flourishes today under the same name. Dick made many lasting relationships during his career with his customers and colleagues.

The focus of Dick’s life was his family and friends. On a chance encounter he met Marge and with a stolen kiss won her heart. They wed on May 6^th, 1963. Shortly after they started their family of two daughters, a son and six grandchildren. They became the center of his life along with all his nieces and nephews. Dick enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren which included many sleep overs, classroom shenanigans and cheering them on at sporting events.

Described by his friends as straight forth and honest, Dick was kind, thoughtful and always willing to help his family and community. Whether serving on town council, coaching little league/swim team or helping neighbors in need, Dick always found a way to be involved to better the lives of those around him. Dick and Marge made lifelong friends in every town they lived in throughout their lives. Dick loved people – engaging anyone who would take just a moment to chat with him. He enjoyed playing tennis in his younger years, learning to cook and entertain, and boating on Lake Norman with his grandchildren.

Dick’s fondness for the sea began as a child when he and his brothers would spend summers off the coast of Maine with adventures of diving for lobsters and swimming in the surf. He enjoyed visiting the coast throughout his life to vacation with family and friends and had fond memories of teaching his kids and grandkids the wonders of the sea, playing games on the beach, and watching the sun rise. From Cape Cod to the Outerbanks, to the shores of North and South Carolina, Dick loved being near the sea.

Dick’s other passion was food and cooking. From his “famous” spaghetti and meatballs to his favorite of all time – Lobster, Dick loved to gather with family and friends in the kitchen and around the table. Often times during his travels to different countries, Dick would venture out to read restaurant menus in the window to explore new cuisines. He enjoyed trying different foods and learning about different cultures but always wanted to know what “looked good” to eat.

In retirement, Dick was drawn to sea again. He and Marge enjoyed cruising, spending several weeks a year exploring the Caribbean, Antarctic, the Galapagos Islands and Europe.

He is deeply loved by all who knew him well and we miss him dearly.

The family will have a private memorial service to celebrate Opa and thank all of his relatives, friends and neighbors for their love and support during this time.

 Memorials can be made to St Jude’s Hospital or The CHARGE Syndrome Foundation.

Arrangements are in care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkley Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.