Robert West

Concelebrated Funeral Mass of Christian Burial for Abbot Robert West O. S. B. will be at 10:30 a. m. , Thursday, September 3, 2009 at the Assumption Abbey Church in Richardton, ND. Interment will follow in the Assumption Abbey Cemetery. A Vigil Service will be at 7 p. m. , Wednesday, September 2, 2009 in the Abbey Church. Abbot Robert West, OSB, 95, died on August 30, 2009 in the Richardton Health Center, Richardton, ND. Abbot Robert (Joseph) West was born in Outlook, MT on February 26, 1914, to Robert and Grace (Fitzgerald) West. He was the oldest of ten children. He received his elementary education in Outlook and came to Assumption Abbey for his college studies. He entered the novitiate on July 2, 1936 and made his monastic profession on July 11, 1937. After completing his seminary studies, he was ordained on May 26, 1942. Abbot Robert did many things during his life. He attended Stout Institute, Menomonie, WI from September 7, 1945 to January 12, 1947, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He worked at the Abbey, supervising the construction of the laundry/garage building and later the gym. He also taught mathematics, carpentry and metal work at our school. He served as coach for the sports teams as well. On August 28, 1954 he was appointed assistant pastor of St. Joseph?s Church, Devils Lake, ND. About a year later, on August 22, 1955, he returned to the Abbey to teach. On August 25, 1956 he was off to Devils Lake again as assistant pastor. During the summer of 1960 he went to Europe. He became pastor of Sacred Heart Church, Solen, ND on June 18, 1960. He was not there long, as on September 5, 1960, he was appointed pastor of St. Elizabeth?s Church, Lefor, ND. While at Lefor he built a residence for the Sisters who taught there. On June 14, 1962, he was appointed pastor of St. Joseph?s Church, Devils Lake, ND. While at Devils Lake, Fr. Robert, on February 13, 1967, was elected coadjutor abbot of Assumption Abbey and was immediately installed by the Abbot President, Baldwin Dworschak, OSB. He received his abbatial blessing from Bishop Hilary Hacker on April 4, 1967. English was used for this blessing the first time at Assumption Abbey. During September 18-30, 1967, he attended the Congress of Abbots in Rome during which the first American was elected Abbot Primate, Rembert Weakland. Abbot Robert served our community as its superior for 12 years, until January 31, 1979. He led our community through the difficult post-Vatican II times. His personality which contained considerable optimism and peace helped get us through those years quite well. After his resignation as abbot, he began to promote the sale of Assumption Abbey table wines. He immensely enjoyed entertaining people in the wine cellar with his wide knowledge of wines and his love of socializing. In 1985 he also become manager of the carpenter shop. On November 26, 1994, his life took on a new adventure. He became priest in residence in Circle, MT, with Richey and later Jordan as missions. The pastor resided in Glendive. Abbot Robert made many friends in Circle and its missions. He was greatly loved. He retired from his pastoral work on July 1, 1998, and returned to the Abbey. Slowly, but continually, Abbot Robert?s mind began to lose its sharpness. During December, 2005, he moved into our infirmary where his needs could be better attended to. In the fall of 2006 he became a resident of the Richardton Health Center after a fall in which he hurt his ribs. He was a resident there until his death. Abbot Robert loved people. He was very sociable and made friends easily. He was loved and respected. He always was a gentleman, kind and courteous. He made time for people who sought out his wisdom. Abbot Robert is survived by one sister, Gertrude (Joe) Vincent, sisters in law Jean (John Richard) West, Veronica (William) West, Marge (Patrick) West, Donna (Terrance) West, many nieces and nephews and his monastic community. He was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers and two sisters.


Burial Date: September 3, 2009
Funeral Home Dickinson, ND

Funeral Mass: Assumption Abbey Church, Richardton, ND