Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton and Otterbein College are working together to Celebrate the Life of hospice patient Richard C. West, who will be inducted into the Otterbein College Athletic Hall of Fame on October 15.

When staff at Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton became aware of plans to honor West, they collaborated to assure transportation and support to enable him to attend ceremonies.

Following his high school graduation Richard began his college studies at Springfield College in Massachusetts. He played baseball and football for the college’s Pride football team, but his second football season and his life were interrupted by World War II and a notice to report for military duty.

After four years serving in France, Germany and England, Richard returned to college. However, he was soon faced with a dilemma. A tryout with the St. Louis Browns baseball team earned him an offer to join the minor league team as a coach/manager. Richard had to decide whether to complete his degree or accept the job. He opted to finish his degree.

Upon graduation Richard joined athletic department at Otterbein College for eight years. He next accepted a teaching and coaching position in Kettering, Ohio. Eventually he became a guidance counselor, a role he relished. After retirement, he and his wife continues to serve in counseling roles on behalf of their church congregation. Richard returned to academia to earn his doctorate of divinity at the age of 88, serving as an example to all of us that it is never too late to realize a life-long dream.

This Saturday, he will realize another dream when he is inducted into the Otterbein College Athletic Hall of Fame, established in 2008 by the Athletic Department to honor individuals and teams that have made significant contributions to the success Otterbein programs, either as athletes or in supporting roles.