Obituary for Alan Harvey West

October 12, 1945 - June 30, 2025

Alan West passed away peacefully on June 30, 2025 surrounded by a room full of his loved ones. Alan was being cared for at home during his long illness by Intermountain Health Home Hospice and his wife, Janet L. Bebell.

Alan Harvey West was born in San Francisco, CA on October 12, 1945 to George A. West, Jr. He was raised by his father and stepmother, Mary Panzi. George Jr. was in the Air Force therefore Alan spent most of his young life in the nomadic life of military families. In the early 1950’s his father was stationed in France and Germany where Alan saw bombed out buildings and a tank that had been in the Battle of the Bulge and destroyed by German Panzers. George, Mary and Alan drove on excursions throughout Europe during that deployment and Alan was able to visit many places that have since become huge tourist sites. Those three years made a profound impression on him.

Upon return to the U.S. George was stationed in Florida, California and Texas but Colorado was always home where Alan’s grandparents lived. George Jr. had two sisters and each sister had one son close in age to Alan. On each visit back to Arvada Alan spent his time playing (hanging out) with his two cousins who were more like brothers being about 18 months apart in age and only children as well.

When his father retired from the Air Force the family moved to Grand Junction, CO where Alan graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1963. He then enlisted in the Air Force and volunteered for Viet Nam. The Air Force, however, deployed him to France and England before returning him to the U.S. and discharged him in 1967. Upon completion of his service in the Air Force, Alan went to work for the U.S. West where he stayed until he retired 30 years later.

Alan’s life-long passion was art. He was a true artist. He started drawing and painting before graduating from high school. He took a few art classes at Metropolitan State University but didn’t pursue a degree. Alan continued drawing and painting through his life regardless of career. He sold some work but gave even more away to people he loved. He painted even after going nearly blind from AMD.

On February 14, 2016, Alan married Janet and became a loved and adored member of her family. His humor, loving smile, and big heart will be greatly missed by so many. Her children, niece and nephews all helped care for him in various ways as his health declined. His one wish was to experience the Bebell Christmas White Elephant party one more time even though he knew he wouldn’t live to see Christmas. The members of the family created a March White Elephant party where he opened a truly awful gift and had a good laugh.

Alan was predeceased by his parents, George (Mary), and beloved cousins Ron and Hal “Mack”

He is survived by his widow, Janet Bebell, sons Mark (Kristin) West and Todd (Beth) West and grandsons Turner, Hogan, and Avery (Isabella). He is also survived by the four children Janet brought him, Susan (Chuck), Deborah, Jeremy, Robert (Beckie) and grandchildren Zander (Kaitlin), Benjamin, Damian, Kjersti, Forrest, Vivien, and Zack and nephews Neal and Brian and niece Kate.

Alan’s memorial service will be held at Highlands Church Denver, 1700 S Grant St, Denver, CO 80210 on August 1, 2025 at 10:30 am. The doors will open at 10:00 am. Burial will be at Ft. Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado on August 1, 2025 at 12:30 pm.

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