[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 19898]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO DR. WILSON WEST

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 19, 2007

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Dr. Wilson 
West. Dr. West is a native of Belleville, IL, and was a well-known 
doctor and professor.
  Dr. West was born near Centralia on September 13, 1913 and graduated 
from Salem High School. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree from 
Southern Illinois University Carbondale. In 1937 he graduated from St. 
Louis University Medical School. Dr. West was a member of the St. Clair 
County Medical Society and served as its president in 1971. He also 
served on the Board of Directors of the Union Bank of St. Clair County 
for 25 years.
  Dr. West was an active member and leader in the Republican Party and 
was viewed by many as the foremost authority on the Republican Party in 
southwestern Illinois. He served as chairman of the St. Clair County 
Republican Century Club for more than 25 years, elected as a delegate 
at seven Republican National Conventions, and was an Elector in the 
Electoral College for three presidential elections. He was very active 
in local, State, and national politics and hosted prominent politicians 
at St. Clair County events. He was proud to have attended the 
inaugurations of many presidents and governors and was a frequent guest 
at the Governor's Mansion and the White House.
  Dr. West wrote for medical research journals and was a professor at 
Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Washington University 
School of Medicine, and Barnes Hospital. Dr. West is the namesake and 
past recipient of the St. Clair County Medical Society's Wilson H. West 
Award for service in the health care profession. He was honored as an 
``outstanding alumnus'' by the St. Louis University School of Medicine. 
In 1966, he received the Everett Dirksen Award and subsequently 
established a Nursing Scholarship with the same organization. In 2002, 
Dr. West was awarded the prestigious Eisenhower Commission. He was 
awarded lifetime membership on the Republican National Committee, the 
honorary organizations, Republican Speaker's Circle, and the Presidents 
Club.
  Dr. West leaves a legacy to his patients of 60 years of service with 
dedicated professionalism and compassionate care. He touched many lives 
with his understanding, care, and concern. He provided outstanding 
treatment and service to three generations of southwestern Illinoisans.
  My thoughts and prayers will be with the family and friends of Dr. 
Wilson West.

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