(This article was revised to include the medical examiner’s statement.)
Nonprofit and business leaders across the Tampa Bay region have flooded social media with tributes for Brian West, the Publix community relations manager who left a long legacy of service with nonprofits and industry groups in Lakeland, Plant City and the entire region.
West, 58, died June 22 following an accident at home. The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner said he suffered trauma to his head after falling from a ladder.
Born in Lakeland, West lived in Plant City, according to an obituary posted by Hopewell Funeral Home.
“Some people leave footprints. Others leave a legacy,” read a Facebook post by the Florida Strawberry Festival, where West served as associate director.
By phone, Strawberry Festival President Kyle Robinson said, “It’s been hard for the festival family.”
In a testament to West’s kindness and generosity, Robinson said that a few weeks ago West had joined him for a $50,000 check presentation to Everyday Blessings Inc., which provides residential group foster care for children up to age 17 who have experienced abuse. The money had been raised by the festival at an annual black-tie ball, Robinson said.
“Brian went not to get a pat on the back, not to get recognition for his hard work,” the president said. “But he truly wanted to see where his efforts went, and what that money was going to be used for and how his hard work and the festival’s generosity was going to go toward foster kids.”
“That’s who Brian has always been,” he said, adding he has seen those qualities in West since they were teenagers growing up together in the tight-knit Plant City community.
“Brian was always the thoughtful one, the caring one,” said Robinson, 55, who is three years younger than West.
On Facebook, the festival noted his loss must be “unimaginable” to his family.
“Our hearts are with his wife, Jennifer, and family during this unimaginable time,” the post said. “We pray they find comfort in knowing that his life mattered, his influence endures, and his memory will continue to live on in the many people who were blessed to know him.”
West’s work for charity impacted Lakeland’s business and communications professionals
West also served from 2019 to 2021 as a board member at the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce.
Chamber President Amy Wiggins remembered him in a June 24 phone call with a Ledger reporter as more than just a Publix employee and Chamber member.
“He was just always there and always willing to help out,” Wiggins said.
Among his standout contributions to the chamber while representing Publix was securing food for volunteers at the group’s annual BBQ event, she said.
“He was a tremendous person.” Wiggins added.
On the funeral home’s tribute wall, the Florida Public Relations Association said it “continues to grieve alongside Brian’s family, friends, colleagues, and the many communities he touched.”
“Brian was an integral part of FPRA, a dedicated leader for the Dick Pope/Polk County Chapter, and a deeply valued member of our professional family,” the tribute said.
In an email to The Ledger, FPRA President Katrina Hill said West was a member since 2016 and served as the 2023 chapter president.
“Brian always joined our meetings with a smile, words of encouragement, financial support for the chapter and statewide organization, and a willingness to mentor and support his peers,” Hill wrote.
At a state level, he facilitated Publix’s sponsoring of the annual Dillin Dessert, which was named after the chapter’s first president, John W. Dillin. The event is held during the president’s luncheon at a Public Relations and Communications Summit.
To honor West, the DPPC FPRA past presidents have decided to rename the Past Presidents’ Scholarship fund to the Brian West/Past Presidents’ Scholarship Fund. The fund provides a scholarship to cover the registration costs for one member to attend the summit each year.
West spearheaded Publix’s charitable work throughout Tampa Bay
West was also a board member for the East Hillsborough Law Enforcement Appreciation Association, and the Special Olympics Florida, his obituary said.
In Plant City, he was a member of First Baptist Church Plant City, past president of the Plant City Lions Club, past chairman for the United Food Bank Plant City and past chairman of the Plant City Chamber of Commerce, among many other community service-oriented organizations.
Beyond his work and volunteer responsibilities, “He loved his family and the Lord dearly, and enjoyed serving the community, golfing, and woodworking,” his obituary said.
Media reports called him the face of Publix in the Tampa Bay region. A Tampa Bay Business Journal report called West a “pillar of the Plant City community.”
He had worked for Lakeland-based Publix for more than 35 years, starting off in the deli, the Journal reported. And West was well known for championing Publix’s work with Feeding Tampa Bay and other food banks.
The Journal reported a Publix spokesperson said West will be “profoundly missed.”
“Brian never met a stranger − his warmth, compassion and genuine love for people defined who he was. He lived life with joy, never taking it too seriously and inspired others to do the same,” the company said in the Journal.
A funeral service is set for Friday, June 26, in Plant City
West is survived by wife of 28 years, Jennifer West; children, Elizabeth Ann West, Elijah James West, and Emory Christian West; mother, Sue Brown (Nick); brother, David West (Erin); and many other extended family, and friends, according to the obituary.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 26, at First Baptist Church Plant City, 3309 James L. Redman Parkway, Plant City, where the family will receive friends beginning at 1 p.m. Interment will be at Shiloh Cemetery in Plant City.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the United Food Bank Plant City at https://ufbpc.org/donate-today-2/ and/or the Special Olympics Florida at https://support.specialolympics.org/a/florida.
Expressions of condolences can be submitted at www.HopewellFuneral.com.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Publix community relations leader remembered for legacy of service
Reporting by Paul Nutcher, Lakeland Ledger / The Ledger
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Paul Nutcher, Lakeland Ledger | USA TODAY Network
