William Alan West

He graduated from Maple Grove High School in 1969. He joined the US Navy in 1971 as a third-class Petty Officer Electronics Technician. West returned to school and graduated from Jamestown Community College in 1984. In 1987, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Photojournalism and Political Science from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL. West earned several writing and photography honors as Photo Editor and police beat reporter at The Daily Egyptian newspaper in Carbondale. West returned to western New York and worked for the Jamestown Post-Journal, Dunkirk Observer, and Star Beacon (Ashtabula, Ohio). In 201, he started his own news and entertainment website, Ashtabula Current, after leaving the Star Beacon. West was a talented photographer and earned numerous awards, including Associated Press State of Ohio Awards for sports picture of the year, news photo of the year, and feature photos of the month. His sports photography was published in Life magazine, NFL Game Day, USA Today, and the Washington Post, among others. His artistic photography was featured in several galleries and art shows in the area. West served as President of the Community Access Media (CAM) Board of Directors in Erie, PA.

He is survived by fiance, Shirl Blanco of Erie; his sisters, Deborah West of Erie, Amy Fenno of Jamestown, NY; and niece, Alicia & husband Roger & son, Zachary Kimber, also of Jamestown; and brother, Robert West of Silver Spring, MD. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert Sr and Susan West.

West’s legacy will be remembered by those who knew him as a talented photographer and dedicated community member. There will be a celebration of his life at a later date.