Michael West Holden, also known as Michael West Breeding, passed away of natural causes at his residence on August 27, 2013.  Mr. Holden is preceded in death by his wife of 28 years, Linda Holden nee Gorsline, who passed away on February 1, 1994, and a son, Richard Douglas Holden on May 25, 1999.  West, as he preferred to be called, has four other children: Frank Patrick Holden, 50, of Nipomo; David Allen Holden 46, Jonathan West Holden, 40; and Shawnna Lynn Holden, 38; all of Santa Maria.  He also has 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. 

West was born on January 19, 1941 in Santa Barbara.  He lived his early childhood years in Tennessee and Alaska before movng with his family back to the Central Coast as a teenager.  He graduated from Santa Maria High School and earned a Liberal Arts degree from Allan Hancock College.  After college he served in the U.S. Navy for two years, but an injury to his eye cut his military career short and he received an honorable discharge.  He was married, had two sons and was working at Vandenberg Air Force Base when both of his sons were burned in a horrible accident while playing at home.  West then became asingle parent and was caring for both of his sons, the youngest still recoverig from his injuries, until 1970 when he met his second wife, Linda, who  also had a son.  They were married shortly thereafter and together had two more cildren, a son and a daughter.

 West was then employed with Okonite Cable Co. until his retirement in 1997.  He was best known for being a family man who was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, often opening his home to friends and family who had fallen on hard times.  He enjoyed a good BBQ, especially when he was the host.  West was a simple man who lived his life by the creedo, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it"  He was loved dearly by his family members and close friends and will be sorely missed.