Dane Kirt West

Dane Kirt West, 61, of Old Fort, NC, passed away at his home on Dec. 9, 2022.

Dane was born on the Central Coast of California.  He grew into a blonde-haired surfer boy, who loved living by the beach. He was often found fishing, clamming, or eating Clam Chowder at Pismo Beach.

As he grew older, he moved to Oregon, and began his journey as a heavy equipment operator. He became known as one of the best in the area. While in Oregon, he loved to fish the Rouge River for salmon and steelhead…and enjoyed the natural beauty of the area.

As time went on, he moved out here to NC, to take part in caring for his aging parents. He also enjoyed exploring the streams and lakes in the area, fishing for trout, and whatever else would bite! Watching Oakland Raider games on Sundays, with family and friends. While the meat was on the grill, and a cold beer in hand, was one of his favorite ways to spend a Sunday afternoon. Of course, he always loved the chance to jump on a piece of heavy equipment to help family and friends with building projects they had going on. He had a giving and loving spirit to his friends and family.

Dane is preceded in death by his parents, Herb and Evelyn West. He was involved with the care of his dear mother as she faded in health, and he was by her side as she took her last breaths.

One of the biggest joys in his life was the arrival of his first grandson, Chase West. He loved his son, and was over the moon to welcome a little “Mini Me” to the family. The baby looked exactly like his dad did when born and Dane was smitten at first sight. His whole focus was trying to work, and save up to go see his son Dalton West, and the new baby Chase West, out in New Mexico. Then this year, he was blessed with baby Bristol, his 2^nd grandbaby, a sweet little girl. Sadly, he was never able to get out to meet her, although he was making plans to when his life unexpectedly ended.

Others that are left to cherish his memory, include his fiancé Amy Ferguson; his son, Dalton West and grandbabies, Chase and Bristol West; three sisters, Terrie Lagrimas, Kelly Grudowski and Sarena Cox; also his aunts, Janet Jarc, Donna Palmer and their husbands; his nephew Nate Lunt; his niece Megan Lunt and many cousins and countless good friends from the West Coast to the East Coast.

There are two friends that need to be mentioned that were very close to Dane. They were very supportive of him as he settled into this area and always had his back when needed. They are Charlie Hamm and George Digges. Dane loved these two as family, and I know they will miss him terribly.

There will be a celebration of life “bar-b-que”, for family and friends at a later date. Where you can be sure we will be grilling some meat, sharing happy stories, playing some Corn Hole and raising a glass in honor of “The Great Dane”.