Hubert Forrest West

Hubert Forrest West was born on July 5, 1936 and was proceeded in death by his Father, Hubert G. West and his Mother, Emma Bea West. Forrest West is survived by his loving wife of 65 years Gayle C. West, Son James(Jim) L. West and wife Pamela, sister Barbara West Smith and husband Jim and 3 Grandchildren Nikki West, Steven West and Hannah West. Forrest’s father Hubert worked for Gulf Oil Co. in Houston and passed away in 1945.  After Hubert passed away, his wife Emma and her 2 children Forrest and Barbara moved to East Texas and settled in Leverett’s Chapel near other family members.  Forrest’s uncle, Boyd McMullen taught him to hunt and fish.  Hunting and fishing fast became a passion for Forrest.

Forrest began 3rd grade in Leverett’s Chapel and graduated in 1955.  Forrest was very active and lettered in all high school sports. After graduating high school Forrest attended Kilgore College for a year.  During the summer of 1956, Forrest went to work for Haliburton in Venice Louisiana.  Forrest enjoyed his job and needless to say, the hunting and fishing was Too good, so Forrest decided to stay in Venice.  Forrest soon realized he could not live without his sweetheart Gayle and they married in 1956 living in Venice for a short time.

Soon thereafter Forrest and Gayle made their way back to Texas living in Pasadena where Forrest went to work for Diamond Shamrock. In 1959, Forrest enlisted into the Air Force Reserve where he served for 6 years. In 1962 Forrest and Gayle celebrated the arrival of their son, James (Jim) West.   They wanted to raise their son in a smaller community and Old River became home. In the mid 1960’s Forrest began guiding waterfowl hunts part time for Joe Lagow, owner of The Barrows Ranch.  After working 20 years for Diamond Shamrock and guiding part time, Forrest decided it was time do what he loved, guide fulltime. Forrest and Gayle leased 10,000 acres from Champion Paper and their Duck Hunting business was born which is known as Los Patos.  Forrest and Gayle were fortunate to have a great group of local  guides to help them in the growth of Los Patos.  It did not take long for outdoor writers to hear about Forrest and Los Patos. Numerous outdoor articles were written show casing the flooded timber and marsh hunts which brought clients from near and far.  After having the Champion Paper lease for 4 years, the property sold, and Los Patos was moved to Gilchrist, Tx.  Operating from Gilchrist, Los Patos continued to guide waterfowl hunts on The Barrows Ranch, The Cade Estate, The Middleton Estate and numerous others. In 1983, Gayle and Forrest built a lodge in Gilchrist, Tx.  where they took countless clients hunting and fishing.  The Los Patos Lodge provided meals and lodging for 30 overnight guests until 1999 when it was sold. Forrest and Gayle bought a ranch near Big Spring Texas fulfilling a lifelong dream of Forrest’s- to own a ranch. Forrest continued to enjoy the outdoors, guiding deer and quail hunts at his ranch. In 2016 Forrest retired, selling the ranch and moved home with Gayle in Huntsville, Tx.   Throughout Forrest’s life he and Gayle enjoyed playing golf and was an avid golfer playing in many charity and local golf tournaments.  Forrest always strived to be the very best in all his ventures.

A Celebration of Life for Forrest will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, June 5, 2021 at Sterling-White Funeral Home Chapel, 11011 Crosby-Lynchburg Rd., Highlands, Texas 77562. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Research Organization at act.alz.org