Darth Gerard West

Darth Gerard West, a local Chiropractic Physician, passed away on February 9, 2023. He was born on January 23, 1941 in Portland, Oregon, the son of Dr. Arthur D. West and Etta Zelma Grow West. He grew up in Pocatello, Idaho graduating from Pocatello High School in 1959.

Darth attended Idaho State University before going on a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Florida. After returning from his mission, he joined the Army National Guard training in Fort Ord, California. He worked for Garrett Freight Lines.

Darth and Aileen Michele Bircher were married in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity in 1963. Darth attended Rick’s College (currently BUYI) in Rexburg and spent his summers working for the US Forest Service. He later attended the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic, graduating in 1971 with a Doctor of Chiropractic. He then returned to Pocatello to go into practice with his father.

Darth and Michele have four wonderful children: Darren West, Colette West Hall, Ryan West, and Brandon West. They have eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Darth practiced for 35 years and retired in 2006. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping with his family. He served in many LDS ward and stake callings. He was a member of the Pocatello Rotary Club for 28 years. He was a Fellow (FIACA) in the International Academy of Clinical Acupuncture and President of the Idaho Association of Chiropractic Physicians from 1984-1987. He served on the Idaho State Board of Chiropractic Examiners from 1989-1995, appointed by Governor Evans and then by Governor Andrus.

He served his community by serving on the Bannock Nursing Home and Bannock Hospital Board from 1977-1985, having the privilege of serving as chairman of the board when the Life Flight Helicopter was acquired.

He is survived by his wife A. Michele West; children, Darren and Julie (Egbert) West of Pocatello, Colette (West) and John Hall of Pocatello, Ryan and Kelly (Foote) West of Burns, Oregon, and Brandon and Jeni (Crandall) West of Pocatello; eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Arthur D. West, and Etta Zelma West.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 17, 2023, at 11:00 am in the Highland Stake Building, 2140 Satterfield Dr., Pocatello, Idaho, with a viewings Thursday, February 16, 2023, from 6:00-8:00 pm at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W. Chubbuck Road, Chubbuck, Idaho, and for one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church, beginning at 10:00 am.

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