William W. West, M.D.
August 21, 1952 – August 14, 2020
William W. “Bill” West, born August 21, 1952 to Robert and Mary Ann West of Omaha, NE.
A graduate of Creighton Prep, Bill initially considered a career in veterinary medicine. He attended Colorado State University for a year, then Creighton University before starting medical school after 3 years of undergraduate. He went on to earn his BS and MD from University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in 1977. There at UNMC, he completed 1 year of residency in internal medicine and 4 years of residency in pathology. He then received a great opportunity/invitation for a fellowship program in lung pathology at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver Canada. This is where Bill found his passion for lung pathology.
For the past 30 years, Bill served as a full-time, certified anatomic and clinical pathologist, primary pulmonary pathologist, and associate professor at UNMC. A gifted teacher, Bill taught, mentored, and inspired many medical students throughout his career, retiring from UNMC in 2015. Most recently he served as the pathology department pulmonary specialist at CHI, where he retired in May this year.
His passion kept him active, volunteering and serving on committees and inspection teams with the College of American Pathologists (CAP), where in 2019, Bill received the Laboratory Accreditation Program Service Award.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Robert W. “Bob” and Mary Ann West; and his brother; Robert M. “Bobby” West. Survived by his wife, Jodeen; stepdaughter, Kayla C. Jones; stepson, Andre X. Jones; step granddaughter, Eva O. Hernandez; sister, Barbara J. Schmolt; brother, John D. West; sister, Joan E. Duhacek; sister, Susan M. Hawk; sister, Judith E. West-Dooley; many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers his family requests donations be made to See, Test & Treat – https://foundation.cap.org/get-involved/see-test-treat-program/.
Celebration of Life Service to be announced at a later date.
Bill, we love and miss you dearly.
24 Comments
Jody, Those of us who have worked so closely with Dr West for many years are so feeling this great loss . He is leaving such a large hole in all of our hearts. We were all blessed to have worked with him and learned from him. He was very generous of his time with the CAP. Our prayers are with you and the family
Jody and the entire West family, I have so many fond memories of Dr. West – he has been a mentor and friend for the last 25 years, and I am so very fortunate to have met him and learned so much from him. We had so many fun inspection adventures over the years, and I will hold those memories close. His loss is just so profound, for all who knew him, and you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
What a wonderful man your husband was, Jody! Sue and I extend our most profound sympathies to you and your family. I cherish each one of the long conversations Bill and I had, particularly those in our retirement years. His broad knowledge of medicine and his deep compassion for his patients meant know him a rare privilege. Our paths crossed many times over the years, and every one is remembered with joy! – Gerry
Bill was such an asset to the pulmonary group at UNMC, both clinically and research wise.He was our “go to” guy to get the most information on a lung biopsy and help solve difficult cases for our patients. In addition, he became our mouse pathologist and helped us develop a standardized way of evaluating a model of lung injury and was instrumental in helping us get papers published and grants funded. We will be ever grateful to him and to his kind spirit. So very sorry for your loss.
I am so saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. He helped train me as a pathology resident at UNMC and then I had the privilege of being on faculty with him before leaving for my current position. He was a smart, hard working, kind person. I learned a great deal from him and had the pleasure of re-connecting with him in the past few years. This is yet another tragedy of this pandemic. I am truly sorry for your loss and remember Bill fondly and with great respect. Please accept my deepest condolences.
So sorry to hear this.Bill and I were fortunate to have known Billy and his family when he was growing up.Always great fun to be with them. great memories of Bill taking Billy and Bobby fishing.Prayers and sympathy to his family
I used to work with Dr.West sometimes as his resident for two years at Creighton University Medical Center. We lost a great pathologist in our department, Dr. West gave us a great gift “Knowledge” , it is precious gift because it will last forever. He was always generous in his time in residents teaching and education as well as patient care. I used to review all lung cases with him and as always he had to make sure I understand everything inside and out before he leaves the hospital. I still memorize all his advices with his unique voice that will help me in practice. He was still giving us lectures in lung pathology one month ago after he retired. This huge loss broke our hearts. My deep condolences to you and the family!
I am so sorry to hear Dr. West’s passing. He was a great teacher and dedicated in teaching residents. I learned a lot of pulmonary pathology from him. Our prayers are with you and the family.
I have fond memories of Bill’s sense of humor, his kindness, and his superior intellect. He was a great contributor to the medical community. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
I was so fortunate to be able to work with Dr. West in the past one year during my first year pathology residency training at Creighton University Medical Center. Dr. West is generous about his time and always trying to teach me through each case that we had together. He was still giving us lectures after his retirement and those are the best lectures I have ever had. It is a huge loss for our department and for our residents. However, his knowledge will be with us forever, and his dedication to patient care and education with be a great model for us to follow in our medical career. I wish him rest in peace, our prayers are with you and the family.
Our sympathies to the entire West family. My Mom, Albina, always talked about what a great host he was on the trip she, Kate and Mary Ann took to see him in Vancouver. He will be missed!
I’m saddened to hear about the passing of my long time buddy Bill. He always stayed in touch , and I have the memories of many fun times together with other Prep guys in high school and the college days, and afterwards. He always stayed in touch, was great human, up-beat and full of life. What a great person, and I’m sad for Jody his loving wife, and his sisters, brother and all the rest of the Wests… a really good family . We will pray for Bill, as he looks down on us. God rest his soul. What a guy. As Father O’leary said: He was a ‘good man’.
Our sympathies to the entire West family. Found memories of summers at Cedar Creek with Bob, Mary Ann, Bill, Barb, Bobby, John, Jobie, Susie and Judy. God Bless.
Jodi, I want to express my heart-felt condolences to you and your family. He was a very generous and kind man and will be greatly missed. Although I have only had the privilege of working with you two for the last few years, he has left a lasting impression of kindness on me.
They do not come any better then Bill. He made the world a better place. We are lucky to have known him.
It was such a shocking news for all us residents. Dr. West was an great pathologist and excellent teacher, very devoted in resident education. He came back to give us multiple lectures of lung pathology even after retirement. We were so lucky to have such knowledgeable dedicated teacher and mentor. We deeply miss you, Dr. West.
Bills’s passing was sad and shocking news. He was a complete gentleman and a pleasure to work with. I had the pleasure of working with Bill for a few short years before his retirement. He added an important dimension to our practice with his expertise in lung.
My dad, your neighbor Louis Livingston, my wife Maggie and my sister Linda’s family love you Bill & Jody. You’ve been great neighbors for my dad. We send prayers from NE, TX and CA for your peace in this crazy time. Jody please let Dad know if we can do anything for you. Dr. Bill was a great man — he will be missed!!
Dear Jodi, Bill blessed me generously with the gift of education. His teachings have phenomenal impact on my career. So knowledgeable and meticulous. During residency when he was my attending, I would triple check my cases before presenting to him for final sign out of reports. We would sit at double headed microscope to see cases. Of course I would do my homework, and just when I thought I knew enough to pass the test, Bill would twist the case around and ask questions I couldn’t answer! Then he would laugh, “Poonam, I am playing devil’s advocate here to get you to think.” He never lacked enthusiasm and energy. Several years later, his wisdom helped me navigate the path of leadership in Pathology. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to express my gratitude in person when we were colleagues at CHI Health. Dr. Bill West, you are phenomenal, rejoice and let your light shine in heaven!
I have so many good memories with Dr. West. He was a great teacher, mentor and a complete gentleman. I was fortunate being one of his residents who learned so much from him. He taught me how to recognize “UIP” pattern from detailed clinical, radiologic and pathologic correlations, and sent me references in order for me to make a good case presentation. He encouraged me and other residents to volunteer and join CAP committees so we all understand well how our pathology world operates. He was very generous giving his time, knowledge, and advices. I deeply respect him and cherish all those enjoyable memories. I was saddened to hear about his passing and want to express our heartfelt condolences to the entire West family.
From Prep to present – we remain South Omaha Boys. Honored – I’m glad I knew you, Bill West.
On behalf of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Foundation, we thank Dr. West for his generous support over the years and especially for his remembrance of our humanitarian program ‘See, Test & Treat’, bringing free cancer screening to women in medically under-served communities across the US. We are very grateful for his and his lovely wife’s compassion and commitment.
With our deep sympathy,
The CAP Foundation Board & Staff
Bill we miss you and love you.
Dr. West was the kindest man. You are missed.
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