Prominent attorney Thomas G. West, 71, was born in Galesburg on March 21, 1940, the son of Helen Jo (Bondi) and Joseph E. West, and died in Northfield, Minn., on Thursday, Nov. 24, 2011.

He was a 1958 graduate of Galesburg High School, a graduate of Northwestern University, BBA, 1962, and University of Chicago Law, JD, 1965. He taught business law at Wisconsin State University, Whitewater, Wis., from 1965-66. He served as assistant state's attorney for Knox County from 1966-67 and Illinois assistant attorney general - condemnation 1968-76.

Tom gave freely of his time to the greater Galesburg community. In addition to his association with Simpson Law Office, he served as vice president of Bondi Building Corporation.

Among other activities and local interests, Tom was past president of Soangetaha Country Club and a member of its Hole-in-One Club. He was past chairman of OSF St.Mary Medical Center Board of Directors and served as a board member of OSF St. Mary Medical Center Foundation. Tom was serving on the IFMC-IL advisory board. From 1971-75, Tom served on the board of trustees for Carl Sandburg College and in 2007 was the recipient of its Founder's Circle Award. He served as attorney for Galesburg District 205 and Knoxville District 202 school boards. Tom was past president and treasurer of Temple Sholom board of directors.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Janet P. West; his son, Guy William of Jersey City, N.J.; his daughter, Nancy (Matt) Malecha of Northfield, Minn.; three grandsons, Joseph, August and Samuel Malecha; a sister, Carol (West) Krueger of Akron, Ohio; and three nephews, Jeffrey (Jen) Krueger, Jerald (Julie) Krueger and Thomas (Paula) Krueger.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Temple Sholom Bondi-West Memorial Fund, Carl Sandburg College, OSF St. Mary Medical Center Foundation, Discovery Depot or a charity of the donor's choice . Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2011, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Brookside Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.