Robert G. West of Lynn, an Army veteran who worked for decades as a carpenter and was known as Bob, died Saturday, October 31, 2026, at his daughter’s home in Vermont with his family around him. He was 97.
He was born February 1, 1929, in Swampscott, a son of Walter L. and Kathleen V. (Collins) West, and grew up in Lynn. He entered the United States Army on January 18, 1951, and served until December 24, 1952, leaving with an honorable discharge at the rank of corporal. He was awarded the Army of Occupation Medal.
Back home he made his living with his hands. He was a carpenter for many years with RC Griffin and with the Wadleigh Construction Company, and his family says he took pride in the work and in finishing a job properly, a standard he applied to the rest of his life as well.
He was married to Helen M. (Canavan) West for more than 62 years. She died before him. The two liked to travel together, and Maine, Florida and Cape Cod were regular destinations. He was an active communicant of St. Pius V Church.
Fishing was his great pastime. He went deep-sea fishing on boats out of Lynn and Gloucester, made trips to Ogunquit, Maine, and was just as content with a quiet day of freshwater fishing. His family says time on the water was something he treasured.
What mattered most to him, they say, was family: his marriage, his daughters and grandchildren, and seeing the family grow into a fourth generation.
He leaves two daughters, Ann West, and Barbara Higginbottom and her husband, John; three grandchildren, Travis Ford and his wife, Samantha, Daniel Higginbottom and Abby Higginbottom; and two great-grandchildren, Wesley and Hazel. Besides his wife and parents, he was predeceased by his siblings Ruth, James and Dorothy.
A private graveside service will be held at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Lynn at a later date. Arrangements are by the Solimine Funeral Home of Lynn.
Compiled from information published by Solimine Funeral Home426 Broadway, Lynn. Photograph courtesy of the family via Solimine. This is our own summary, not the family’s obituary; read the full obituary and leave a condolence at the funeral home’s page on Legacy.com. Corrections: we will fix any error promptly.
