William E. "Ed" West

William E. “Ed” West, 96, a longtime Ellensburg resident and retired Chief of the Ellensburg Fire Department, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 16, 2026. In accordance with his wishes, no formal services will be held. He will be laid to rest at the IOOF Cemetery in Ellensburg.

Ed was born on May 14, 1929 in Boone County, North Carolina, to R.L. and Margaret (Lawrence) West. As a young teenager, he moved with his parents and five siblings to Ellensburg. He worked alongside his father at the Cle Elum Bakery until enlisting in the United States Army. Following his honorable discharge in 1953, Ed returned to Ellensburg and began working as a dragline operator for the Kittitas County Reclamation District.

Ed met Darlene A. Cobain as a teenager and the couple married on July 17, 1951. They shared nearly 74 years of marriage before her passing in 2025.

In 1955, Ed began a long and distinguished career in the fire service with Kittitas County Fire District #2. He later joined the City of Ellensburg Fire Department, where he served the community for 36 years. At just 32 years old, Ed was appointed Fire Chief, becoming the youngest chief in the department’s history. He also holds the distinction of being its longest-serving chief. After retiring from the fire service, Ed continued his public service as Chief of Corrections for the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Bob McBride.

A dedicated member of the community, Ed generously volunteered his time with numerous organizations, including Search & Rescue, Chamber Cowboys, Field & Steam Club, and a local classic car club. Ed will be remembered for his dedication to service, his commitment to family, and the lasting impact he made on those who knew him.

Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene; his parents; as well as four brothers and one sister. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Rick & Sue West; granddaughters Natasha Guhl and Brittani Willett as well as his four great grandchildren Wylder and Arlo Guhl and Harper and Davis Willett.

Memorial contributions in Ed’s honor are suggested to the KVFR Life Support Fund, PO Box 981 or to Kittitas County Field & Stream Club, PO Box 522, both Ellensburg, WA 98926.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Ellensburg. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.johnston-williams.com