Denzel Leon West

Denzel Leon West, 81, loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away, September 26, 2009 at his home in Smithfield. Dad was born February 27, 1928 in Smithfield, Utah to Frank LeRoy and Martha Larsen Sparrow West. His parents both lost a spouse to the influenza. They united their families, LeRoy's 4 children and Martha's 6 children. Dad made number 11. Dad grew up in Smithfield and was spoiled by his 10 brothers and sisters. He graduated from North Cache High School in 1946 and played on the first State Basketball Championship Team from North Cache. Right after graduation he enlisted into World War II. He was stationed in San Diego, California and was a Hospital Corpsman Third Class. Dad enjoyed his time in the Navy and had many rewarding experiences. After returning from the Navy, he joined the Air Force Reserves and was commissioned as 2nd Lt. Dad enrolled at Utah State University in the Education Program; where he received his Bachelor and Masters Degrees. He spent 38 years as a teacher or an administrator. In 1951 he married Cheryl Neeley in the Logan Temple. They have 3 children Kyle, Jeff, and Patti. Dad began his teaching career in Dayton and Clifton Idaho. He taught for 3 years in Idaho. He then returned to Utah and taught in the Smithfield Junior High. He was Vice Principal and Principal at Sky View High School and Principal at Wellsville Elementary. Dad also worked in the Cache County School District Office for 12 years overseeing many different programs. Dad retired in 1990 and he and mom spent their winters in Yuma, Arizona. While there in the sunshine they made many wonderful friends from many states, an experience they will always hold dear. Dad enjoyed keeping a nice yard and raising a large garden that he generously shared with family, neighbors, and friends. Dad served in many church callings: Secretary to Aaronic Priesthood, Counselor in Elders Quorum, Assistant Ward Clerk, Ward Clerk, Executive Secretary, 1st counselor in Bishopric, Smithfield and USU High Council, Ward and Stake Athletes Director, MIA Superintendent, Sunday School President, and Zone 11 Athletic committee. Mom and Dad have belonged to the Cache Valley Good Sam Club and now the Cache Valley Good Timers Camping Club. They enjoyed many camping outings and all the very special friends they made. Dad is survived by his two sons and one daughter, Kyle L. Susan West, Jeff N. Annette West, Smithfield, and Patti Todd Seeholzer, River Heights; seven grandchildren, Leslie Matt Larsen, Zachery West, Tyrell West, Jason Andrea West, Channing, Paige, and Morgan Seeholzer, two great grandchildren, and two on the way. Sister, Marie Glenn Corbridge, and sister-in-law, Delone Louis West. He was proceeded in death by his wife, an infant son, his parents, brothers and spouses; Lloyd Gayle Sparrow, Duane Dorthy Sparrow, Louise West, Eldon Edna West, sisters and spouses; Demoine Ray Bosworth, Cora Ernest Hogan, Ruth Douglas Gregory, and Evelyn Lenard Johnson. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, Oct. 2, 2009 at the Smithfield 10th Ward Chapel, 250 E. 430 S. Viewings will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009 at Nelson Funeral Home, 85 South Main, Smithfield, and from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church. Interment will be in the Smithfield Cemetery. Condolences may be extended to family online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com . In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Primary Children's Medical Center Foundation, P.O. Box 58249 Salt Lake City, UT 84158-0249. The family would like to express their love and appreciation to Susan West for taking care of Dad.