William D. West, a part-time English professor at Syracuse University, died Tuesday night at approximately 9:30 p.m. at Upstate Hospital due to complications from cancer, according to an email sent to members of the SU English department.
West taught Interpretation of Fiction and Interpretation of Drama in the English and textual studies departments. Students currently enrolled in his classes this semester will be taught by Stanford Sternlicht, who took over West's classes when he was first hospitalized, according to the email.
West also had an impact on local arts. During the '80s and '90s, he contributed theater, opera and classical music reviews for The Syracuse Post-Standard, according to a Post-Standard article [7] published Wednesday.
Even in his last few hours, he enjoyed the music he reviewed, according to the article.
"He died comfortably listening to classical music that had been recomended by (former Syracuse Symphony Orchestra music director) Daniel Hege when he came to visit Bill," said The Very Rev. G. Thomas Luck, Dean and Rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral to The Post-Standard.
[8]West, born and educated in England, worked with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra as program annotator, according to the article. He also taught classes at Onondaga Community College and Le Moyne College.
Calling hours for West will take place Sunday between 4 and 7 p.m. at Fairchild & Meech DeWitt Chapel at 3690 Erie Blvd. East. A funeral mass will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral at 310 Montgomery St. in Syracuse.
Counseling and support will be available at the university via the following offices: The Counseling Center (443-4715), the Alibrandi Catholic Center (478-5959) and Hendricks Chapel (443-2901).
"He will be missed by many generations of students, as well as by the faculty and staff of the English Department and the Honors Program," said Associate Professor and Chair Mike Goode in the email.
Photo courtesy of The Post-Standard.