Irvin Dale West, Jr, 76, of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away on March 29, 2022. He was born November 15, 1945 to Irvin Dale West, Sr and Dora Josephine West in Russellville, Arkansas.
Irv graduated from Russellville High School in 1963. He furthered his education, and graduated from Arkansas Tech University in 1968. There, he participated in the ROTC program. He later went on to serve his country in the United States Army as First Lieutenant. He was stationed in Europe at the height of The Cold War as an interpreter, speaking several languages. In 1974, he received his master’s degree of Divinity from Sewanee: The University of the South. He was an ordained Episcopal minister and he worked in the medical research department of Veterans Affairs at the V.A. Hospital in Little Rock. He was also an artist and musician.
Irv is preceded in death by his parents Dora (Jo) West and Irvin Dale West, Sr; maternal grandparents Dora and Joe West; paternal grandparents Ida and James West.
Irv is survived by his sister Shelley West Knight (John); nephews Tyler and Riley Knight; and niece Hannah Grace Branscum (Rob).
Interment will take place at Rest Haven Memorial Park in Russellville, Arkansas. Graveside Memorial will follow on Thursday, April 14, 2022 at 2:00pm at Rest Haven Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 16328, Little Rock, AR 72231.
Arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service. 501-982-3400.
13 Comments
I will miss this incredibly interesting man. He had such an interesting life and had such great input on so many subjects.
I could listen ( and would) for as long as he would talk.
I will also miss Irv with his sense of humor and explanations on more things than you could find on Google. He was a modern-day Renaissance man. I was privileged to call him my friend, and the world will truly be a lesser place without him.
Irv was an interesting man. We shared things on social media. He was a man for all seasons , warm & kind – God will bless him
Very sorry for your loss!
Sending sincere condolences for your loss. Irv was an integral member of the CAVHS research team during my tenure there. He will be sincerely missed.
So sad to lose this great man, my fellow associate at the VA Hospital. He was a gentleman, very reliable, honest, and experienced. Never asked for an extra privilege but was always available if needed by others. It was a pleasure to work with him.
Very sad. He was a good man. RIP.
Irv was one of the most intelligent men I have known. He would stop by my office at times and have the most interesting tidbits of knowledge and information. He was such a part of our CAVHS R&D Service and I will miss him.
Feel fortunate to be able to call Irv West a friend. A true decent and gentle soul. God Bless.
What a sweet man. I met Irvin in Hillcrest and always loved his sweet, gentle soul. May his memory be eternal.
I really enjoyed working with Irv. He’s the only person I have ever known that would read Wikipedia daily. And in multiple languages at that. As noted by others, he always had something interesting to say.
Shelley, John, and family–
I was heartbroken to get the news that Irv was in hospice. I am so grateful that you allowed me to spend a few minutes with him to say my goodbyes. Irv was a dear friend to me for 41 years. He taught me so many things over those years. Although he is no longer among us physically, his spirit and influence remain with us.
I’ve never encountered a more intelligent, yet down-to-earth person in all my life. I will miss him.
I enjoyed working with Irv in research at CAVHS. May he rest in peace and my prayers go to his family! May God give you peace.
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