The Reverend JOHN RALPH WEST of Opelika, AL died Thursday, October 15, 2013.  John was a graduate of Stetson University. He served as an industrial plant manager at Vermont American in Auburn before going to work at Samaritan's Purse in the 1980's.  In 1986, the Lord led him to be on the pastoral staff of the Lakeview Baptist Church in Auburn, AL where he served in many different capacities including Deacon and as Chairman of the Personnel Committee. 

   John was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 46 years, Ilze.  He was always grateful for his father discovering this lovely waitress named Ilze during his college years at Stetson.  He is also survived by his two sons, Chris West and his wife Beth of Raleigh, North Carolina, and his youngest son, Jonathan West of Opelika. His pride and joy in the recent years though has been Chris and Beth's child, his grandson, Jackson.  He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Butterfield of Orlando, FL.