more commonly known as Tony West, 78, was born in Phoenix, Arizona on October 29, 1937. After graduating from St. Mary’s High School, Tony attended the U of A and graduated from ASU with a degree in business. Tony began his career in agribusiness through a family owned operation named Far West Enterprises. In 1968, the family sold the business and Tony began to dedicate his life to a life of service to the community. He served in the Arizona Legislature as a Representative and later was elected to the State Senate. Tony spent eight years as the State Treasurer and eventually was elected the Corporation Commissioner. However, it was his love of serving his fellow man that truly brought him fulfillment. He was a dedicated Deacon of the Catholic Church, committed to his church and serving the lives of others. In his words, “It is a privilege to serve my Lord and Church as a Deacon and I look at my life of public service as a ministry to better the community.” Tony joined the Lord on January 14th and is now at rest and in peace. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Margaret “Maggie” West, his sons: Bill (Lisa), John (Sherry) and Steve. He is also survived by his 5 grandchildren: Anthony, Nicholas, Lucas, Madeleine and Phillip. Tony and his family respectfully request that in lieu of sending flowers, donations be made to St. Vincent de Paul.
There will be a Visitation from 5:00 – 8:00 PM with a Rosary at 7:00 PM on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. Funeral Mass will be on Friday, January 22nd at 10:00 AM at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4715 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix.
Honorable James J. (Jamie) and Sue Sossaman
Dear Maggie and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. We spent many hours working together in the legislature. When I was Speaker, I knew I could always count on Tony to help me with legislation dear to our conservative hearts.
We are keeping all of you in our prayers.
Blessings,
Jamie and Sue
Jane Douglas
Dear Maggie, So sorry for you about your loss. The only way we can think, is God knows when he must call his people back home. It will help to fill the void. I have not seen you in a long time, but I sure do remember you from school. I will pray for your hurt & tell you we are thinking about you. Hope to see you tonight at the viewing. God Bless Tony,12 You and your family. Jane Phillips Douglas & Tom Stabler.
Leian Faulkner
Maggie and Family – please accept our condolences at the passing of Toni. He was a “real good guy” and the family will miss him very much. I can’t express how much fun it was when the “kids” got together for the Hilbers Family Reunions and we had so much fund. Mom (Elaine Faulkner) had a picture of one of them when we all got together at Christmas time and were posed in the front yard. I remember it fondly. Toni is with Mom now and I know they’re having fun chatting about “old times.”
Please take care and know you and your family are in our hearts.
Leian & Lee