William A. West

William Alan West, known to his loved ones as Bill, passed away at Lecom Hospice, Erie, PA on March 8, 2026. He had COPD & he fought it for many years. He was born on February 15, 1951, in Jamestown, N.Y. to Robert & Susan Shirey West. He spent his formative years on picturesque Chautauqua Lake at Bemus Point, N.Y. He graduated from Maple Grove Jr.-Sr. High School in 1969 and briefly attended junior college the following fall.

After working for several chain retail stores, West joined the U.S. Navy in early 1971 as a third-class Petty Officer Electronics Technician. He was honorably discharged for medical reasons. West then worked as a TV repairman and CDC machinist before transitioning to white-collar work. He worked as a timekeeping/inventory technician and quality assurance specialist for Bausch & Lomb.

West returned to school after being laid off by B & L. He graduated from Jamestown Community College in 1984 and transferred to Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL, where he graduated in 1987 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Science with a Photojournalism major and Political Science minor. West earned writing and photography honors during his tenure as The Daily Egyptian Photo Editor and police beat reporter.

West returned to western New York and worked for several newspapers, including the Jamestown Post-Journal, Dunkirk Observer, and Star Beacon. In 2011, he started the news and entertainment website Ashtabula Current after being downsized by the Star Beacon.

West was a talented photographer and earned many awards, including Associated Press State of Ohio Awards for sports picture of the year, news photo of the year, and feature photos of the month. His sports photography was published in Life magazine, NFL Game Day, USA Today, Washington Post, and more.

He was an avid sportsman, hunting both big and small game. He was also an accomplished fisherman & played in local golf, softball & bowling leagues for many years.

West served as President of the Community Access Media Board of Directors before COPD brought an end to his community service. He is survived by his partner Shirl, 2 sisters, Deborah West, Amy Fenno, a niece Alicia & husband Roger & son Zachary. A brother Robert of Silver Spring, MD.

West’s legacy will be remembered by those who knew him as a talented photographer and dedicated community member. There will be a celebration of his life at a later date.