Sylvester "Si" E. West

Sylvester (Si) E. West

Sylvester E. West, better known as "Si", was called home on Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012. Si, 91, was residing at the Niobrara Life and Health Center in Lusk, Wyo. at the time of his death.

Si was born, April 7, 1921 in Fort Collins, Colo. to Floyd S. and Alice Nettie Reese West. At age three the family moved to Laramie, Wyo. where Si spent his childhood and completed his schooling. He graduated from Laramie High School. During his youth Si got his start in agriculture by raising dairy goats. This was an excellent project for Si and he was proud that he saved many babies in Laramie by providing goat milk to infants who were allergic to cow's milk. Si was a member of FFA during his high school career, and as the State President received the first blue jacket ever presented.

Following high school he attended the University of Wyoming where he received his bachelor's degree in Animal Production. During this time frame Si belonged to the Sigma Alpha Fraternity. He was also a member of the University judging team where he acquired many awards and honors, including high individual honors at Ogden.

Following graduation in 1942, Si enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was called for duty in September. He spent three months in Officer Candidate School and three months in Officer Training in Quantico, Virginia.

On Jan. 16, 1943 he married his high school sweetheart, Rosamond M. Logsdon. The couple was married in Quantico and shortly after the marriage, Si was deployed to Hawaii. He was sent to the 14th Naval District where he served on guard duty at EWA Naval Station. He left active duty in March of 1945 and was honorably discharged, attaining the rank of First Lieutenant. Si remained in the inactive reserves until 1961 reaching the rank of captain.

Upon his return to the states, Si and Rosamond began their life in Lander, Wy. where Si was employed by the University of Wyoming as a County Agent. Their first son, Gary David, was born in Lander. In September of 1946 Si accepted the agent position in Niobrara County, which became the family's home. While in Lusk, the couple was blessed with three more children, Brett Richard, Thomas Floyd "Tommy" (deceased) and Tamra R. "Tammie".

During his 32 year career in Niobrara County, Si impacted numerous lives with his leadership and knowledge about livestock and agriculture. He had numerous awards and honors to his name, but a few that made him most proud was being honored by the American Hereford Association for his outstanding work with youth. He was also proud to win National Grass Improvement Award, Dryland Division.

Si was best known for his work with youth and 4-H judging programs. During his tenure he coached 30 teams and had 12 state champion livestock judging teams, eight state reserve champion teams, one national champion and one national reserve champion team. He also had seven state champion wool judging teams and one national champion wool team, three state champion horse teams and one state champion meat judging team. More importantly, he was very proud of all his 4-H members and followed their lives and careers and took great pride in their accomplishments in life.

Si's family, his 4-H "kids", working with agriculture producers and raising Hereford cattle were the loves of his life. He began raising Hereford cattle in 1949 and it was his passion. No one knew cattle better and he raised some of the best. He was a true cowman.

Si is survived by his sons, Gary and wife Pat of Casper, Brett and his wife Vicky of Lusk and daughter Tammie and husband Casey of Lusk. He has one grandson, Troy, three granddaughters, Mandi, Tomi Joy and Amber Si. He also has two great-grandsons and one great-granddaughter. Si was also blessed with four step-granddaughters, one step-grandson and five step-great-grandsons and three step-great-granddaughters. He also has four nephews and four nieces.

He was preceded in death by his wife Rosamond, his son Tommy, his parents, three brothers, one sister and one granddaughter.

Services were held on December 10th at the Niobrara County Fairgrounds. Mark Lohr officiated the services and Pier Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials in Si's memory to the Si and Rosamond West 4-H Scholarship Fund or charity of the donor's choice.

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