Richard "Rich" West II - Cremation Society of Virginia

Richard "Rich" West II

December 7, 1964 - December 6, 2021

Richard (“Rich”) Duane West II, 56, of Virginia Beach, VA, went to be with the Lord on December 6, 2021. He was born in Philadelphia, PA. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard “Dick” Duane West. He is survived by his wife, Melissa; his mother, Joan West; his sisters Renee Anderson (Steve) and Michele Snyder (Gary); Melissa’s siblings Terri Harrison; Steven Francois; Shari Ostrem (Dan), Kevin Francois; his daughter, Courtney Stinson; his grandson Eli Cash; and many nieces and nephews, as well as great nieces and nephews.

Rich graduated from Norfolk Christian High School (’82), Wheaton College (BS), and Old Dominion University (M.B.A.). He began his career in computer science with the Navy as a civil service intern while in college. He was then hired by the Department of the Navy as a scientist with an emphasis on navigation which he maintained for the next 35+ years.

Rich loved being a father, grandpa and uncle and carried his love for kids into the community, including serving in the children’s ministry at Grace Bible Church for nearly 25 years. His service in the church also included leading a community group and men’s Bible study. He loved life and enjoyed playing tennis, boating, photography, and surfing from a young age. He is well known for his expertise grilling on the Big Green Egg on which he grilled anything and everything whether it was 80 degrees and sunny or 30 degrees with a foot of snow. In the last few years, he experienced a growing affinity for bourbon which he shared with his friends and fires in the fire pit he built with his grandson, Eli. Most importantly, Rich loved everything related to the beach. He spent as many summer days and even nights as possible by the bay swimming, napping, listening to music, hanging with friends, and taking pictures especially of sunsets.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on January 15, 2022, at Grace Bible Church, 2956 Ansol Lane, Virginia Beach, VA. Facebook Page for Celebration Live Stream – https://www.facebook.com/Rich-West-Celebration-of-Life-103805342197300

In lieu of flowers, donate in Rich’s name to PIN Ministries (here) or Union Mission Ministries (here).

Cremation Society of Virginia

Light a candle Light a candle

Flowers & Gifts

Arrangements starting at $35

Plant a Tree

See Condolences

My sincere condolences to the family for your great loss. I played soccer with Rich for a number of years and remember his as a kind and sincere person both on and off the pitch. In our mourning we can take some solace knowing he is with his father in Heaven for all eternity. It's still difficult for those of us remaining, to be sure, but cling to the promises of God and one day we'll all be together once again. I'm so sorry. Rich knew me as Buddy, just in case he ever came home from a match and described me as too competitive for my own good. I envied his good attitude and humble spirit. God Bless.

To my amazing bonus dad ❤️ Knowing you changed my life in so many amazing ways. You gave my mother love she has never until you. You gave my son the best grandpa he could have ever asked for and you gave him a bestfriend. He was so lucky to grow up with you by his side. Memories that will last him forever. And you gave me so much loved I never knew I needed. I miss you everyday and that won’t ever fade. I miss your lame dad jokes that would make you and only you laugh so loud lol. Keep laughing dad, because it was the best sound. I love you always and even after

So deeply sorry for your family's loss. He was a wonderful, young man and He will be missed so much by all who knew him: whether they knew him early in his life or recently. Prayers are going up for his wife, Melissia, his mom, Joan, both his sisters, and the rest of his family. I pray for love, peace, and comfort from God. We will all see him in heaven!

SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR FAMILY'S LOSS. HE WAS A WONDERFUL MAN AND WILL BE MISSED GREATLY BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM, WHETHER WHEN HE WAS YOUNG, OR LATER IN LIFE! PRAYERS, LOVE & PEACE ARE WISHED FOR YOU ALL. \

My deepest condolences…I have fond memories of Rich as a child and teen growing up in the Va Beach Community Chapel. Praying for all his family during this most difficult time.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Heartbroken to hear of the passing of my good friend & former client, Rich West. Rich was one of the finest Christian men I have ever known. It was my pleasure to have been a part of his purchase of 2 residences. I was delighted when he found the love if his life, Melissa! Rich led many to Christ and planted the seed of hope in many more. My condolences to Melissa and family members.

I knew Rich for many years. We played against each other in many tennis tournaments when he was John Lee's partner. He was always fun to play against and it was even more fun to beat him. I saw him progress from an O.K. tennis player to a really good tennis player. It was great to see. I will miss kidding with him. May he rest in peace.

I am deeply saddened by the loss of my good friend Rich West, but also am looking forward to a future reunion someday in heaven! Rich and I were almost next door neighbors from 1973-76 and hung out a lot in the Summers, and especially in the summer of '75 when we spent our three month Summer break fishing in the small lake behind the West house, playing ping pong, and watching baseball on TV and their family dog Agnes eat crickets! In 2018/19 I found Rich on FB and was able to begin renewing our friendship since we hadn't chatted since our family moved away in '76. Shortly getting back in touch a USAF trip brought me to the local area where I was able to finally meet up Rich (and his lively wife Melissa) for dinner, and it was great to spend time together again after so many years. I'll always remember his beaming smile, zest for life, and his common love for our Lord whose presence he now enjoys.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.