John H. West, president and owner of the Von Senden Company, died on July 9. He was 90. Born in Pittsburgh in 1926, West attended Lawrenceville Prep before serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. West later went to the University of Pittsburgh, where he met his wife Vernie.

A long-time industry sales executive, West won household name clients like Gulf Oil, National Steel, PPG and Kelly-Springfield Tire Company. West was known for selling products like Cross & Parker pens, Zippo lighters and Hazel folders. Friends and colleagues say he “was especially proud of the custom limited-edition print and pewter sculpture series he sold and that were used for client appreciation gifts.” In 2000, West sold the Von Senden Company to HDS Marketing (asi/216807), where his son Ned continues today as a partner at the firm.

West is survived by his wife of 65 years and their three sons John Hastings (Terri) West, Jr., Timothy Hawthorne (Wendy) West, and Ned Stanislaw (Patty) West; and six grandchildren: Hannah, Ian, Hunter, Bonnie, Charlie and Holly.

Services will be held on Saturday, July 29 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s of the Valley Episcopal Church in Rector, PA. A reception will follow in the Smith House.