Matthew Stephen West

Matthew Stephen West was born on May 31^st, 1984 in Montrose, Colorado to Tom and Mary West.

He passed away at his home in Huntington Beach, California on December 30^th, 2014.

Matt graduated from Montrose High School in 2002 with honors as a member of National Honor Society. In high school Matt was active in athletics, excelling in football, baseball, and wrestling. After graduation, he accepted a scholarship to play football and receive an education from the University of Northern Colorado. For five years he was a member of the UNC Bears football team and forged friendships with his teammates that lasted all his life. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports and Exercise Science upon his graduation in 2006. In 2007, Matt moved to California where he became a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He strived to make a name for himself doing what he did best – making people laugh, pushing people to their limits, and showing compassion to all those who entered his life.

Matt had a big personality and would go out of his way to make a difference in your life even when you didn’t ask. He loved to go to the beach with his dog Bella, with whom he shared an unbreakable bond, and look into the ocean watching the sun rise and set. He could make you feel like you were the best at what you do and who you are. He had an infectious smile and will be sadly missed by all those who were fortunate to cross his path – he truly loved being with friends and family.

Matt is preceded in death by his brother Mark West. He is survived by his parents, Tom and Mary of Montrose, CO; brother Michael (Lindsay) West of New Castle, CO; brother Mitchell West of Pearl City, HI; grandmother Colleen Willborn of Plainview, TX; grandmother Margret Ann Speck Lowe of Lubbock, TX; nephews Parker and Jaxson West of New Castle, CO; aunt Nancy Speck of Lubbock, TX; uncle John (Gayle) Speck of Plainview, TX; aunt Frances (Matt) Coulson of Galveston, TX; uncle Jim (Mary Alice) West of Ore City, TX; aunt Nancy Caroline (Terry) Williams of Abilene, TX; godfather Bob Horne of Plainview, TX; and numerous cousins.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Crippin Funeral Home in Montrose. A viewing will be made available to the public on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 from 4:00 pm to 8:00_pm at Crippin Funeral Home Chapel.. A funeral service will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Montrose on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at 3:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to a fund that will be set up in Matt’s name for benefit of local youth sports programs and athletes. Contributions can be made in his name at the Bank of the West located at 1105 South Townsend Avenue, Montrose, CO.