Stephen R. West
Stephen R. West, President West Foundation. Member of Initiative for Global Development. Board of
Trustees: Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County;
Mr. Elwell... He continued by asking Greg Porter to make a presentation of the "Sagamore of the Wabash"
to Mr. Stephen West for his leadership and for being instrumental in making Wishard what it is today. Mr.
West is retiring from the Board after many years of dedicated service. Mr. Gutwein continued the
presentation by asking Ms. Hebenstreit to read in its entirety, Resolution. No. 6-2002, "Honoring Stephen
R. West for Exemplary Service." ... - MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING OF THE HEALTH
AND HOSPITAL CORPORATION OF MARION COUNTY, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 17, 2002
City of Indianapolis and Marion County City-County Council 1972-1995, Republican No mention is made in
obituary of his 22-vote victory, or whether he would have done any of those good things if he had lost
by 22 votes
|
Stephen R. West Former six-term Indianapolis City-County Councilman Stephen R. West died on
Saturday, July 17, 2010 at Wishard Hospital in Indianapolis at age 78. |
Born August 10, 1931 to
Harold
B. West and Hilda (Kirkman) West in Indianapolis, West was a life-long resident of the city he served
both publicly and privately for six decades.
A 1949 graduate of Park School for Boys, West later attended Carleton College, graduating cum laude in
1953 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and a minor in government.
Following two years of military service as a corporal in the U.S. Army, he attended Harvard University,
earning a Master of Business Administration degree in 1957.
Upon graduation, West returned to Indianapolis to assume the positions of Vice President and Treasurer of
West Baking, Inc., which he held until its sale in 1987.
In addition to working in his family business, West had a virtual second career as an elected official, serving
on the Indianapolis City-County Council for 24 years, from 1972-1996. From 1972-1992 he held office
representing District 6, and later served as an at-large councilor from 1992-1996. West also was elected
vice president and majority leader of the council from 1988-1993. During his years in public office, West
held numerous chairs on the council, including committees for Administration, Economic Development,
Public Safety and Criminal Justice, and Public Works. Additionally, his council service included roles on the
boards of directors for the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee and the National League of Cities. West
also served on a wide variety of non-profit organizations in his private life. He was president of The West
Foundation, Inc.; a family foundation funding international development at the grassroots level. Additionally,
he had served as president of both Butler-Tarkington Neighborhood Association and the Indiana Conference
of Congregational Christian Churches. Other civic experience included membership on the boards of trustees
for Christian Theological Seminary, The Defiance College, Edyvean Repertory Theatre, Indianapolis Church
Federation, Marion County Health and Hospital Corporation, Martin Luther King Multi-Service Center, and the
for-profit company Peoples Bank.
In recognition of his service to the state of Indiana, West was awarded the title of Sagamore of the Wabash
in 2002 and Distinguished Hoosier in 1996 by Governor Frank O'Bannon. Other organizations which have
honored him for his contributions to the community included Marion County Alliance of Neighborhoods
(MCANA Award), Mercy Foundation (Spirit of Africa Award), Meridan-Kessler Neighborhood Association
(Sid Maurer Award), and Wishard Foundation (Indiana Public Health Award).
West was a member of North United Methodist Church, Rotary Club of Indianapolis, American Legion, the
Indianapolis and Indiana State Chambers of Commerce, Butler-Tarkington Neighborhood Association,
NoraNorthside Community Council, Family Service Association, Community Service Council, Indianapolis Museum
of Art, Indiana State Symphony Society, Indianapolis Zoological Society, Columbia Club, Riviera Club, and
Woodstock Club.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Phyllis (McRoberts) West; daughter, Emily Allison West; and brother,
Richard A. West (Florence).
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Barnabas Fund at Central Indiana Foundation or to Wishard
Foundation.
A calling will be held on Sunday, August 1 from 1-5 p.m. at Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Center- Washington
Park North, 2706 Kessler Boulevard, West Drive in Indianapolis.
A memorial service will follow on Monday, August 2 at 11 a.m. at North United Methodist Church, 3808 N. Meridian
Street, in Indianapolis. www. flannerbuchanan. com - Published in the The Indianapolis Star on July 29, 2010