Gary L. West, age 78 of Andover, passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at Mercy Hospital, Coon Rapids.

Gary was born on July 17, 1942 in Breckenridge, MN to Kenneth and Ethel (Rossow) West.  He grew up in western Minnesota and graduated from Fairmount, ND High School.  Gary enlisted in the United States Army, serving from 1962 until receiving his Honorable Discharge in 1964.  He then moved to Northeast Minneapolis where he began his education to be a lineman for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company.  Gary's career with the telephone company, mainly AT&T, spanned 36 years.

It was on a blind date that Gary met Mary, the lady destined to become his wife.  They were married on September 24, 1966.  When his daughters were old enough to play sports, Gary enjoyed coaching them in soccer, slow-pitch softball, and basketball, which he did from 1978-1991.  An avid sports enthusiast, Gary co-founded the Andover Athletic Association and cheered-on the Minnesota sports teams.  In addition to sports, Gary loved to fish, especially the fishing trips to Canada.  He enjoyed traveling and was an avid gardener.

Above all, Gary was a generous, kind-hearted man who would "give the shirt off his back"; he was there for everyone.  This was especially evident to those who stopped by to visit.  "Did ya eat yet?" he would ask as he invited guests in for food and fellowship.  He loved to grocery shop, so there was always plenty to eat, including his own special pickled beets.

In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; twin grandsons, Matthew and Lucas White; brothers, Luverne and Dennis.  He is survived by his children, Carla West, Deanne (Greg) Doroshenko, Leanne West, and Angela (Jonathan) White; grandchildren, Emery Kiblin, Hadley and Connor White, McKenzie and Noah Doroshenko; special friend, Alice Guse; brother, Donovan (Carol) West; sister, Sylvia Olson; also many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

A Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at Thurston-DeShaw Funeral Home, 13817 Jay Street. NW, Andover.  Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be a private funeral service.  Private interment with Full Military Honors will take place at Morningside Memorial Gardens, Coon Rapids.

Per CDC guideline, please adhere to social distancing and mask requirements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

Arrangements entrusted to Thurston-DeShaw Funeral Home of Andover (763) 767-7373