Special Tributes: This page is dedicated to those people outside of our class who played an important role during our time at West High.

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Gary L. Link was born on July 11, 1939 and went to Heaven on January 12th 2021 following a short battle with cancer. Although saddened, those who knew him rejoice knowing that he is in the presence of God, free of pain, and reunited with his true love, Ronda.

Gary graduated from West High School, class of 1957 followed by service in the United States Army. He went on to obtain a BS in education from The Ohio State University and an MS in Secondary Administration from Xavier University.

Mr. Link, as he was known by many, taught for 30 years at West High School from 1962-1991. Gary was a greatly loved and respected teacher of U.S. History, World History, Geography and Economics. He also coached football, baseball, basketball, golf, and girls softball, served as a Class Advisor and Ski Coach.

In 1975, Coach Koblentz and Gary led the West High boys baseball team to a state championship victory. This game is still the highest scoring game in OHSAA baseball state tournament history!

During his summers and after retirement, Gary worked for the Franklin County Engineers as well as Roxanne Flowers. He served his community as a Hilltop Y's Men and member of Hoge Memorial Church. He was an avid skier and loved traveling to Cape Cod and Yankee games with his family.

Preceded in death by, Ronda, his beautiful wife of 57 years and reason for living; parents Charles and Sarah Link; in-laws Opal and Theodore Graham. Gary and Ronda were blessed with two fine sons, Ron and Rick Link; daughter-in-law, Kellie; grandchildren, Rachel and Alexandra; Debbie Ortiz (Danny), Scott Boyd, Steven Boyd, Rachel Syed (Nadir); great-grandchildren, Makayla, Malia, Maya, Bentley, and Zayn; brother, Bill (Peggy) Link.

Family will greet friends from 3-7 pm on Monday, January 18th, 2021 at HEART AND HOPE FUNERAL HOME by SCHOEDINGER (Hilltop Chapel), 3030 W. Broad St., Columbus, Ohio 43204. Private funeral and burial services will be officiated by Pastor Tom Billman. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hoge Memorial Church, 2930 W Broad St., Columbus, Ohio, 43024.

Gary Lee Van Arsdale, 72, of Delaware, formerly of Westerville, passed away peacefully Monday, December 21, 2020 at Parkside Glenn Memory Care in Westerville.

Born September 1, 1948 in Columbus, Ohio the son of the late Charles Van Arsdale & Barbara (Lee) Lindenmeyer. Gary attended and later graduated from Whetstone High School in 1966, we would then go on and receive his Bachelor's in Education from Ashland University, and then received his Masters Degree from The Ohio State University. Gary was an Eagle Scout, and was a camp counselor at Camp Lazarus in Delaware as a teen.

Gary was very involved in the Westerville Community. He was a volunteer firefighter for Westerville, and served on City Council. He also taught history at West and Mifflin High Schools, worked for Physician Health Plan as chief operations officer, he created the company E-V Benefits Management, and was vice president of AON Consulting.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, loving wife Marcia in October 2020, brother Jim Van Arsdale. Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Becky (Mike Paulins) Van Arsdale- Paulins and Jessica (Andy) Krisch; grandchildren Iain Kirsch, Tate Van Arsdale, Matt Kirsch, and Myah Paulins; great-granddaughter Flora Van Arsdale; brother Steve (Debbie) Van Arsdale; sister-in- law Lynette Van Arsdale.

Gary enjoyed golfing, and would travel with his friends to his favorite course Pinehurst, in North Carolina. He was a member of Little Turtle, Rattlesnake, and Medallion golf clubs. He also enjoyed woodworking, and spending time with his daughters, and family in general. Gary never knew a stranger and always had a smile that could light up the room. Gary and his late wife Marcia both loved Christmas, and everything about the holiday.

The family finds peace knowing that he is now up there with her for the holidays, never having to spend Christmas apart from one another. Private family services will be held at a later date Memorial contributions in Gary's honor may be directed towards the Alzheimer's Association, Boy Scouts of America, or the Columbus Zoo. To share a fond memory or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com The Snyder-Rodman Funeral Center in Delaware is assisting the family with arrangements.

Thornton, David “Thunder” Dwight left this world to meet his Lord and Savior on November 7, where his faith became his sight and his body made whole again.

Born in Columbus, Ohio June 4, 1938, to the late Charles F. and Nell Virginia (Spires) Thornton. He was a lifetime “westsider”, and proud graduate and longtime supporter of West High School.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Carol (Lent) Thornton; son Steven (Wendy) Thornton; daughters Megan Thornton, Jennifer (Ryan) Young, and Kari (John) Nunnery; grandchildren Ashley (Erik) Link, Hayden and Emily Thornton, Sophia, Elijah and Ayana Knisley, Caleb Nunnery, Luke and Landon Young; and great-granddaughters Gabriella Thornton and Charleigh Link.

He is also survived by the residents and caring staff of the Brentwood Neighborhood at Westminster Thurber - who became an extension of his family; and many friends.

He is proceeded in death by his son, Scott Allen Thornton; brothers Charles and Earl Thornton; and sister Norma Joanne Legg.

A member of Immanuel Baptist Church, where he faithfully served in various leadership roles and ministries.

As a lifetime resident of the Hilltop/Westgate area he was very active in his community,

He will be remembered as an avid golfer and Ohio State Fan; his love of singing Doo-wop and Southern Gospel music; continual jokes and his ability to leave people smiling.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Brentwood Neighborhood of Westminster Thurber Ohio Living.

His family invites you to share in the celebration of his life during visitation on Thursday, November 9 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday November 10 at 12:00 p.m., with home-going celebration to follow at 1:00 p.m.

All services will be held at Immanuel Baptist Church, 3417 Palmetto Street, Columbus 43204. Interment Greenlawn Cemetery. Pastor Bill Abernathy officiating.

Services are entrusted to Newcomer Funeral Home and Crematory, Southwest Chapel - Grove City.