September 16, 1926 – July 18, 2013
Floyd Duane West lifelong Cowboy, Horseman and Ranch Hand passed away July 18th, 2013 at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary in his 86th year.
Floyd’s life was long, interesting and varied. He spent much of it working on various Ranches in Southern Alberta , from Pincher Creek to Cochrane, most often as Ranch Foreman as well as running his own place for several years near Creston, B.C. He was widely admired for his gentle way with horses and his respect and concern for the cattle and all animals in his care. His idea of an ideal day was spent it in the saddle, whether riding the hills and valleys checking cows, calving, gathering , dragging calves to the branding fire , doctoring or any other chores that involved him and a horse. He was not impressed with ‘farming’ chores such as haying and fencing, as in later years they did not involve horses and “ should be left to mechanics and not cowboys! “ Floyd also served as an Alberta Brand Inspector at the Calgary Stock Yards before it was moved to Strathmore and was Head Teamster at Heritage Park for several years prior to retiring with his wife Phyllis in Calgary.
In 2003 he married Judy, moved north of Cochrane and again had horses and riding as a part of his life. His most recent ride was as an amazing 85 year old. Once on his horse, Jay, he was a young man again, sitting tall and proud in the saddle. His beautiful smile lit up the mountain trails as he took his last ride with good friends and good cheer.
Ill health led him to the Bethany Care Center in Cochrane where he set up camp and made another circle of friends among the staff and residents. His heart was always with his family, his horses and his friends and we will all miss him. Happy Trails Cowboy.
Floyd was the son of the late Julia and Fred West of Metisko, Ab. He was predeceased by his son Randy in 1971, his dear wife Phyllis { Deyell } in 2002, sister Helen in 2004 and grandson Phillipe in 2012. He is survived by sons Duane {Tim} and grandson Samuel, Gabriola Island B.C. and Ross , Calgary, and his loving wife Judy MacKenzie-West and her extended family, Cochrane and area. As well, left to mourn are his sisters Jean {Mac] Gibson, Edmonton, Marjorie {Don} Kozlinski, Provost, and brother Ron {Isabelle} West, Cadogan, as well as many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Floyd’s Life will be held at the Brewster’s Kananaskis Guest Ranch at Seebe , AB. on Wednesday, July 24th , 2013 at 2:00P.M. Thanks to Janet Brewster-Stanton and her crew for hosting a wonderful send-off for Floyd.
The Staff at the Bethany in Cochrane , Urgent Care in Cochrane and the Foothills Hospital in Calgary deserve thanks for the wonderful care Floyd has received. Special and sincere gratitude to Dr. Steve Watson for the incredible and supportive way he has looked after Floyd for several years and especially these last weeks.
If anyone so desires, donations could be made in Floyd’s name to the Bethany Care Center, 302 Quigley Dr. Cochrane, AB T4C 1X9. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Floyd Duane West, please visit our flower store.
Floyd Duane West lifelong Cowboy, Horseman and Ranch Hand passed away July 18th, 2013 at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary in his 86th year.
Floyd’s life was long, interesting and varied. He spent much of it working on various Ranches in Southern Alberta , from Pincher Creek to Cochrane, most often as Ranch Foreman as well as running his own place for several years near Creston, B.C. He was widely admired for his gentle way with horses and his respect and concern for the cattle and all animals in his care. His idea of an ideal day was spent it in the saddle, whether riding the hills and valleys checking cows, calving, gathering , dragging calves to the branding fire , doctoring or any other chores that involved him and a horse. He was not impressed with ‘farming’ chores such as haying and fencing, as in later years they did not involve horses and “ should be left to mechanics and not cowboys! “ Floyd also served as an Alberta Brand Inspector at the Calgary Stock Yards before it was moved to Strathmore and was Head Teamster at Heritage Park for several years prior to retiring with his wife Phyllis in Calgary.
In 2003 he married Judy, moved north of Cochrane and again had horses and riding as a part of his life. His most recent ride was as an amazing 85 year old. Once on his horse, Jay, he was a young man again, sitting tall and proud in the saddle. His beautiful smile lit up the mountain trails as he took his last ride with good friends and good cheer.
Ill health led him to the Bethany Care Center in Cochrane where he set up camp and made another circle of friends among the staff and residents. His heart was always with his family, his horses and his friends and we will all miss him. Happy Trails Cowboy.
Floyd was the son of the late Julia and Fred West of Metisko, Ab. He was predeceased by his son Randy in 1971, his dear wife Phyllis { Deyell } in 2002, sister Helen in 2004 and grandson Phillipe in 2012. He is survived by sons Duane {Tim} and grandson Samuel, Gabriola Island B.C. and Ross , Calgary, and his loving wife Judy MacKenzie-West and her extended family, Cochrane and area. As well, left to mourn are his sisters Jean {Mac] Gibson, Edmonton, Marjorie {Don} Kozlinski, Provost, and brother Ron {Isabelle} West, Cadogan, as well as many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Floyd’s Life will be held at the Brewster’s Kananaskis Guest Ranch at Seebe , AB. on Wednesday, July 24th , 2013 at 2:00P.M. Thanks to Janet Brewster-Stanton and her crew for hosting a wonderful send-off for Floyd.
The Staff at the Bethany in Cochrane , Urgent Care in Cochrane and the Foothills Hospital in Calgary deserve thanks for the wonderful care Floyd has received. Special and sincere gratitude to Dr. Steve Watson for the incredible and supportive way he has looked after Floyd for several years and especially these last weeks.
If anyone so desires, donations could be made in Floyd’s name to the Bethany Care Center, 302 Quigley Dr. Cochrane, AB T4C 1X9. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Floyd Duane West, please visit our flower store.
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