FT.LEE, NJ -- Walter West, former president of Couristan, died Feb. 18 in San Diego, CA. He was 87 and had suffered from Parkinson's Disease for many years.

Mr. West, as he was known throughout the company and the industry, was with Couristan for 45 years.

‘Walter West helped to pioneer the Couristan brand and was an integral part in making this company the international success that we are today,” stated Ron Couri, Couristan’s current president and chief executive officer. 

‘He is a large part of Couristan’s legacy and we will forever be grateful for his unwavering dedication and tremendous contributions. On behalf of all of us at Couristan, we extend our sincerest condolences to his wife Elsie and his entire extended family. He will be greatly missed.’

In addition to his wife, Elsie, Mr. West is survived by his son Stephen and grandson William.   

Plans for a memorial service will be announced shortly.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. West’s memory to The American Parkinson’s Association, 8555 Aero Drive, Suite 308, San Diego, California 92123 or at www.apdaparkinson.org.

Established by the Couri family in 1926, Couristan manufactures and imports power-loomed and handmade area rugs, as well as woven residential and commercial broadloom.