Erdman West III, better known as Skip, passed away peacefully at the age of 79 after courageously fighting a myriad of health conditions for many years.  His son, Scott West, daughter, Tori West, and wife of 52 years, Diane West, surrounded him with love and comfort before his passing at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, New York.

Skip was born in Lawton, Oklahoma, but spent his youth in small towns of North Florida, living most of it with his Family in Perry, Florida.  An inquisitive and creative child, he loved both exploring his surroundings and expressing himself through music. The oldest of three children, his earliest memories were of his mother singing in the kitchen and later joining his folks in their church choir.

Skip came of age betwixt and between the Big Band Era, Be Bop, and Jazz. Trombone was his instrument of choice in school and from the age of 14 on he would perform, be they in large bands or small combos. He attended Florida State University where he majored in Music Education.

Skip taught in several Florida schools but ultimately was drawn north in the mid 60's.  He settled in New York State where he thoroughly enjoyed all the Jazz Clubs and emerging Folk Music Scene in NYC. It was on Long Island, NY where he met his adoring wife and greatest supporter, Diane R. Miller.  They were married and bore their son and daughter before moving to upstate New York.

Skip made a choice early on to become a "Jack of All Trades" musically. He taught himself piano, acoustic and electric guitar, upright bass, electric bass, folk banjo, dulcimer, blues harp, synthesizers and more. He performed in wide-ranging, eclectic groups from Jazz Trios and Little Big Bands, Dixie Lang Band, to folk and rock bands, forming many of them himself.

He brought his love of music into the classroom, whether he was teaching band, chorus, or k-12 classroom music. He loved introducing the students to a variety of musical styles and their origins and significant in our American musical history. He had jug bands, jazz bands, and pop/rock and swing bands for the students. He took his students out to play and/or sing whenever possible, allowing them the joy that sharing music with others could bring.

Skip spent the largest part of his teaching career at Schenevus Central School in upstate New York where he settled with his family in 1973, moving to Worcester in 1975.  Having never taught music to young children, he was always looking for ways to engage them in the music-making process. He started writing songs for them that were fun, meaningful, and interactive.   He then compiled those songs and produced four albums, the first of which, "Blue Sky City," won the Parents Choice Gold Award.

His brother, Richard along with his wife Ellen, were the driving force behind the creation of a video of three of his songs, which then appeared repeatedly on the The Learning Channel.  Skip also wrote songs for mostly self-produced folk albums. He created music for award-winning documentaries through his brother's work, a memorable one being for the first nationally released film on AIDS: Beyond Fear.  They were recognized for that seminal piece at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.

Skip's accomplishments over his 65-year music/educational career are literally too numerous to list. However, for him his final crowning glory was to get a grant to write, score, and produce a noir musical "Danger in the Dark" with his talented son, Scott, singing and playing the lead.  He had the support and involvement of local actors, friends, teachers, and students in all aspects of the productions, including having a live jazz band of incredibly talented professional musicians playing the score.

Throughout his long career, severe health issues plagued him but he never let that get him down.  He always somehow managed with the help of amazing medical care, and strong will and determination, to live his life fully, to pull himself back up enough to continue creating and sharing his music. He may not have reached the heights of musical fame but he did reach the heights of musical expression, which brought great satisfaction and joy to him.  This was his legacy.

Skip was an extremely loving husband, father, and brother.  He is survived by his son, Scott West of Worcester, NY; daughter, Tori West of Meriden, CT, and wife of 52 years Diane R. West as well as his brother, Richard West (Ellen), and sister, Peggy West. He was predeceased by his parents, Erdman and Margaret West.

A memorial celebration of his life will be held in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Skip's name may be made to the Worcester or Schenevus Central School music programs.  Online condolences and personal memories are welcome at www.hellerskinnerfh.com.