Making his mark

Odessa's longest-serving state representative will be remembered as a man with a passion for education and for his fierce support of the University of Texas of the Permian Basin.

State Rep. George E. "Buddy" West died early Wednesday at the Hospice House at age 71 following an illness.

Flags in Austin were lowered in the Capitol Complex as word of his death reached the Capitol. Gov. Rick Perry's office issued a statement that flags at all state buildings, installations and institutions located in House of Representatives District No. 81 will be lowered through the day of internment.

"Texas lost a great public servant when Buddy West passed away today," Perry said Wednesday. "As a dedicated champion for the people of West Texas, Buddy's legacy will live on in the lives of those he touched through his tireless efforts to make Odessa, West Texas and the entire state of Texas a better place."

Services are set at 3 p.m. Friday at First Baptist Church. West will be buried Saturday in Austin.

WHO WAS HE?

>> George E. "Buddy" West served as Odessa's state representative longer than any other person - he served eight terms in the State Legislature. His final term was set to end Dec. 31, 2008.

>> Since 1993, he served District 81, now made up of Andrews, Ector and Winkler counties.

>> West, was 71. He was married to Shirley Porter West for 52 years. He is survived by Richie West, son; Lori (West) Bennington, daughter; Ami (West) Satterwhite, daughter; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

>> West lived in Odessa since 1944 and worked for Amoco Production for 30 years as a corporate safety engineer. He was a graduate of Odessa High School, attended Odessa College, attended Howard Payne University, attended Hardin Simmons University, received a bachelor's degree in management from The University of Texas of the Permian Basin.

>> He was a former Ector County Independent School District Trustee.

>> West was a member of UTPB's first graduating class. At a 25-year celebration in 1997, West told the OA how UTPB was important in his life. "I probably would not have gone back to school," West said in 1997.. "When they opened UTPB, that opened the opportunity for me."

>> West was largely responsible for getting funds from the Texas Legislature for the 14,000 square-foot Presidential Museum and Leadership Library, which opened in 2002 and sits on UTPB's campus. The museum houses exhibits and information about the presidents of the United States. "It (the museum) was born in a time of tragedy," an emotional West said at the opening of the museum, recounting that the museum was created after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. "I am real proud of this university."

>> More recently, West took to the floor of the House in a rousing speech to defend the funding of a performing arts center at UTPB in May of 2006. A conceptual design for the Wagner Noï¿«l Performing Arts Center, was unveiled at CEED Wednesday.

>> During the past legislative session, West told the OA he was proud to pass House Bill 1157, which will allow construction of a new student services building at UTPB.

>> West also filed bills in support of the energy business. He recently authored House Bill 2289, which will give school police officers retirement and health insurance benefits under the state teacher retirement system. The session ran out before the bill was passed.

>> In 2003, West helped secure funding for a new Odessa-Midland National Guard Armory near the Midland International Airport.

>> During his last race for public office this year, West lost a run-off in the Republican primary by Odessa attorney and former district judge Tryon Lewis.

WHAT THEY SAID

‘The president was ­saddened to learn of the death of George ‘Buddy' West. Representative West was a fixture of the West Texas community and a dedicated public ­servant who will be greatly missed. The president is keeping Representative West's family in his thoughts and prayers.'

Official White House statement

‘Texas lost a great public servant when Buddy West passed away today. As a dedicated champion for the people of West Texas, Buddy's legacy will live on in the lives of those he touched through his ­tireless efforts to make Odessa, West Texas and the entire state of Texas a ­better place ... Anita and I extend our sincere ­condolences and prayers to his wife, Shirley, his family and his countless friends.'

Rick Perry, Governor of Texas

‘Buddy was a good guy and a longtime friend, we'll miss him. I don't know if you can quantify any one specific thing ... he was ­passionate about West Texas and the work that he did ... His legacy as a Texas legislator will serve as an example to ­Texas lawmakers for years to come. He was a longtime friend who served West Texas with strong ­conviction and passion. He will be forever missed, but never forgotten.'

Mike Conaway, U.S. Representative

‘I don't think people will ever realize just the ­effect he had. He might have been a ­Republican but he truly was able to work with both ­parties ... He didn't see party when it came to ­getting something done ... ... He was very proud of being a ­graduate of the university. I think it's tragic loss. As far as I'm concerned he did his job extremely well, and I for one will always be ­grateful.'

Vickie Gomez, Community Activist

‘It's a very sad loss for the family of UTPB. My heart goes out to all the ­members of the West family ... Denise and I are both very sorry and extend Shirley and their ­children and grandchildren our deepest sympathies. Buddy was a UTPB alumnus and a longtime supporter. Sometimes you didn't even have to ask Buddy to do things for UTPB, he just did it. Buddy believed in the people of West Texas and what he was doing.'

David Watts, UTPB President