Paul Rickenbacker WEST

Rickenbacker West was born November 12, 1935 in Hollywood, CA, and passed away December 12, 2011 in Seattle, WA, after a determined and inspiring battle with prostate cancer. He was 76. Paul was a generous and loving husband, father, friend, and entertainer. He loved playing the piano, traveling (all across Europe, Africa, Australia, the South Pacific), riding the Burke-Gilman Trail with the Old Duffers Bicycle Club, doing crossword puzzles, walking with his dogs, writing silly poems for his friends, sipping champagne in the hot tub at his cabin on Hood Canal, and, most of all, making people happy. Paul was an accomplished jazz pianist and singer who entertained generations of Seattleites at venues including the Colony, the Riviera, and the College Club.By day he worked as an advertising copywriter and voiceover talent in both Seattle and Los Angeles. (For more details on Paul's career in the Seattle jazz scene, see Paul de Barros's article, "Entertaining musician, ad man Paul West dies," printed in the Seattle Times on 12/14/11.) Paul spoke often of how "lucky" he'd been, but to call it "luck" would be a disservice to the generosity, kindness, optimism, and grace with which he lived each day of his life. Paul will be missed by everyone who had the good fortune to meet him. In addition to hundreds of devoted friends, Paul leaves behind his loving wife of 32 years, Ingrid Skaugrud West, daughters Mara and Lindy West, son Jason West, daughter-in-law Ioana Dima, and two grandsons, Paul and Nicholas Dima-West. His family would like to thank Paul's compassionate caregivers at Swedish Medical Center, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, and University Medical Center. A memorial service is being planned for January. Details are forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice