Former longtime resident, electrical engineer
David West. (Courtesy photo)
David Gilbert “Poz” West, 86, of Sebastian, Florida, died peacefully in his home surrounded by loved ones, Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, after a short bout of cancer.
David was born May 12, 1937, to Charles Gilbert and Lois (Vinton) Penniman West in Weymouth. David graduated from Braintree High School in 1955. He studied at UMass Amherst and Northeastern University, graduating in 1972 with a degree in electrical engineering. He worked at Honeywell in the computer division for more than 30 years before retiring in 1992.
In 1955, David met the love of his life, Karen, at a high school dance. They were married Feb. 14, 1959, and built a home in Harvard, where they raised their three children. After retiring, David and Karen spent their time in Sebastian, Florida.
Poz had an award-winning smile with an ability to entertain a crowd with his risqué humor. He never failed to have an impromptu nap during family get-togethers, which made for a great photo and many laughs. He was known by all his grand- and great-grandchildren for doling out alligator bites and having a handshake that could bring a grown man to his knees. He enjoyed kayaking and helping clean up the local islands, but that did not go without becoming a lifetime member of the soggy bottom club.
He had many rules when it came to things but quickly realized some of those great-grandchildren were a match to his wittiness. All the grand- and great-grandchildren enjoyed game time at night with Poz. If there was one thing that Poz could eliminate from the world it would be squirrels, as he talked often about ways of doing so. Unfortunately for him Sebastian, Florida, Harvard, and Plymouth had no shortage of squirrels.
He enjoyed sailing and made several trips to the British Virgin Islands over the years. Even though Poz had two left feet, he also enjoyed years of square dancing.
David was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Shirley, and her husband, Jack Moriarty; and his brother, Peter Vinton West. He is survived by his loving soulmate and wife, Karen Alice, of Sebastian, Florida; his sons, Daniel Gilbert West and his wife, Donna, of Sebastian, Florida; and Craig Steven West of Charleton; his daughter, Kristin West, and her husband, Kevin Devaney, of Summerfield, North Carolina; and by 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. All the grandchildren and great-grandchildren loved to go visit Moz and Poz in Sebastian and at the cottage on Big Sandy Pond in Plymouth.
David will be missed by all who were blessed to know him.
A celebration of life will be held at the Sebastian Elks 2714, 731 S. Fleming Street, Sebastian, Florida, Saturday, Nov. 18, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the VNA & Hospice Foundation, 920 37th Place #101, Vero Beach, FL 32960, which gave the family great comfort in his final days.
Online condolences may be shared at www.seawindsfh.com.