West L. Niver
November 8, 1958 — September 6, 2022
West L. Niver
With great sadness we announce the passing of West L. Niver.
Born November 8, 1958 in Albany, New York, died September 6, 2022 in Seattle, Washington.
West was first and foremost a man who wanted to help others, and couldn’t stand to not be useful somehow. An avid outdoors-man, he hiked across hundreds of miles of the Northwest and took great joy in the peacefulness of the forest.
He graduated from the University of Oregon in 1982, where he met his wife Cynthia, to whom he was married for 39 years. They lived together in Seattle, Washington where West was a Financial Analyst at Group Health Cooperative/Kaiser Permanente for 30 years, retiring in 2019. West was also a fixture of the local Scouting community, spending many years leading young people into the wilderness, and training others to do the same. Also active in the West Seattle Kiwanis Club, he helped organize numerous community events and held several official positions in the club, including President. West Niver dedicated much of his time to serving others and touched countless lives in many ways, from events with hundreds of participants raising money and awareness for various causes, to passing conversations with people he had just met. His humor was quirky, but witty. He had a lifetime love of animals, and always enjoyed a spookily decorated house for Halloween. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife Cynthia and their two sons, Benjamin and Samuel (Amanda) Niver, his sister Geri (Larry) Niver Petkus, and his brother Drew (Debi) Niver. West also leaves behind his beloved cat Luke and grandpets Russell and Bodie. Donations can be made on his behalf to the Chief Seattle Council of the Boy Scouts of America or to the West Seattle Kiwanis Club. The family is currently finalizing plans for a Celebration of Life near the end of October, which will be announced to friends and family.
13 Responses to “West L. Niver”
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I worked with West for many years at Group Health Cooperative. He was always one of my favorite people. His quirky sense of humor made me laugh often. He made coming to work fun and would often make to laugh out loud. I will always have fond memories of him and the time we spent together. Cynthia and the boys, hugs for your broken heart.
I met West doing what he enjoyed, scouting with his sons. Soon he joined the West Seattle Kiwanis in 2004. He brought humor and dedication to the Club. He helped bring the Club onto the internet improving the web site and publishing the newsletter. Cynthia and West opened their house to Kiwanis and shared the family love and successes. He taught us how to put on a fundraising motorcycle ride. West shared his excitement, ideas, family, and hobbies with us. He will be missed but not forgotten. Cynthia, Sam, Ben – we feel your emptiness and are here to assist.
West was a very good man. I really enjoyed my experience with him in the scouting community.
Dear Cynthia we are so very sorry for your loss. It was so great to get together with all of you this summer. Sending thoughts and prayers to all of you. 🙏 💔
I was so sorry to see this news. My thoughts are with you Cindy, you and West were so kind to me many years ago when I was just a kid. Thank you.
Cynthia: We are so sorry to learn of the passing of West. He was a great addition to our West Seattle Kiwanis Club arriving with his sense of Humor and new ideas that helped propel our Club forward into some new ways of service to our youth groups and especially our Scout Troops. Remember the Good Times with your Husband West and that will be of comfort going forward..
Dear Cynthia, Prayers for you and your family, I just saw this from Mike Firestone. Sad to hear this… a good man… I enjoyed his company, conversation and wit immensely.
Please keep me informed on the Celebration of life… God is faithful… God is true….
West was a friend and mentor in Scouting. When I heard the news yesterday, it saddened me so much that it had been a good bit since we talked and I wouldn’t get another chance. Cynthia, you and West touched so many people and many more hearts than just mine, are heavy with his loss.
Rob and I are so sorry to hear of West’s passing. Your family was the best neighbors we could have asked for in West Seattle–West’s kindness and generosity were a big part of that. Your whole family is in our prayers.
I am so sorry to miss the Celebration of Life Gathering for West. I will be out of the country. I will definitely stop and think of him and the gathering on the 29th.
I have known West Niver since he took over the Budget Manager position at Group Health back in the late 1990’s. West, was one of the most diligent, sincere, loyal, and caring people that I know. Yes, his work with the Boy Scouts shows that (and I always LOVED the stories that he told of his weekend Boy Scout escapades), but he also practiced that at work. His mischievous, quiet sense of humor was so appreciated especially when the budget challenges took precedence at GHC. I can still remember him coming into staff meetings, looking around, and saying “Repeat after me everyone, there is no budget!”. Everyone would laugh and the meeting would start on a lighter tone. He was first to help someone at work if needed, but he also showed/practiced (and helped others do the same) the level and the quality of work commitment we all needed to aspire towards.
He will be greatly missed, and I am sure (after defining the trip budget, cutting the estimate in half in a realistic way, and depicting it graphically so the “higher-ups” will understand it), he is now hiking a new trail in a glorious mountain range at this very moment!
Condolences and Good Luck
Sally Jackson
I’m so sorry for your loss he will be greatly missed he was a great husband and father to you and sons.
So sorry for your loss he will be greatly missed he was a great husband and father to you and your sons.
West was a wonderful brother-in-law. I loved his quirky sense of humor and always had me laughing. He even welcomed me and Jeff into his and Cyndi’s home 31 years ago. You had a big heart. Thank you for being there.