GORHAM – Harry was born in Portland, on Jan. 30, 1943 along with his twin sister Barbara to Harry E. West and Myrtle B. Hanson West.
He was proud to grow up on Munjoy Hill. He remembers ringing the school bell in grammar school and being a patrol boy. Harry was a 1961 Portland High School graduate. He had perfect attendance in school from 2nd grade through high school. Harry’s first job was at Porteous, Mitchell & Braun where he met the love of his life, Bonnie. They were married in January 1967 and had five outstanding children, Tanya, Erik, Kristina, Daniel and David.
Other places Harry worked were W.H. Shurtleff Co, AAA, Fairpoint New England and H. F. West Inc. Positions he held were stock boy, multilith operator, accountant, supervisor, manager, landlord and president.
He graduated from Northeastern Business College, Thomas College and Hussen University. He served six years in the Maine Army National Guard where he received a certificate of training in Personal Administration Specialist. He was a Maine Notary Public, belonged to the American Legion and was a Friend of Baseball Hall of Fame.
Harry attended all of his children’s activities, academic, sports, dance, drama and music. Harry enjoyed his wonderful friends and relatives. His likes were Red Sox, dogs, camp, traveling, woodworking, flea markets, yard sales, ocean and hanging with his friends. Other likes were antiques, hotdogs, Moxie, Harmons’ Lunch, Kettle Cove, Fort Allen Park and his dog, Mollie.
Harry bought a small island on Watchic Lake and built a camp on it. When his sister died in 1978 he had a house built for his parents and twin sister.
He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; his children, Tanya West of Portland, Erik West and his wife Tawana of Portland, Kristina Coleman and her husband Adam of Bristol, Vt., Daniel West and his wife Alyssa of Gorham, David West of Standish; grandchildren; and cousins.
To share memories of Harry or to leave the family an online condolence please visit, http://www.dobsonfuneralservices.com
In lieu of flowers memorial donation can be made in Harry’s name to the
American Cancer Society
P.O. Box 6704
Hagerstown, MD 21741
Send questions/comments to the editors.
We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is found on our FAQs. You can modify your screen name here.
Comments are managed by our staff during regular business hours Monday through Friday as well as limited hours on Saturday and Sunday. Comments held for moderation outside of those hours may take longer to approve.
Join the Conversation
Please sign into your Press Herald account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe. Questions? Please see our FAQs.