It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden tragic passing of our beloved Myla Jane West on February 13, 2022. Myla was born on August 8, 2019, to parents Angela and Darren West, in Lafayette, Colorado.
Myla shared so many attributes with her family, especially her sense of adventure and willingness to join in every family activity from hiking in the mountains, playing in the sand at the beach, to stopping at every park. She loved sharing lunch with Mom, coffee runs with Dad, and going to all her brother’s sporting events. Myla could always keep up. Myla was extremely happy and never met a stranger. She drew people in with genuine sweetness. She possessed a sharp sense of humor at a very young age and shared her infectious laugh with everyone she met.
At the age of 2 years old, Myla was an old soul, uncommonly calm and confident. She loved to snuggle by her family’s side while also having a healthy independent streak. She had a presence of mind and sharpness about her that taught others how to appreciate the simple joys of life. She knew her ABCs, could count, and was amazingly creative through painting and drawing. She was coordinated, able to ride her scooter and Strider bike alongside her brothers. She enjoyed relaxing in a bath, sometimes multiple times a day and was proud to dress herself after. Most often she chose her princess dress and loved her variety of boots.
Although our time with her was too brief, Myla was a shooting star who lit up our lives with her special spirit and smile. She was, and always will be, the special ingredient in the West family. She was the sweet little sister that the boys adored and cared for unconditionally, which was mutual. She loved, loved, loved her big brothers and was sad when Wyatt and Ben left for school. They would kiss her and tell her, “Don’t worry, you’ll have a great day with Mommy.” Everyday they spent together was an adventure filled with hikes, learning, and countless hours upon hours of snuggles. Excitement escalated whenever her brothers and dad returned home. She would always announce who arrived, as her tender heart wanted everyone included.
To Angela and Darren, she is simply an angel…An enduring angel. Myla came to this world into a tight knit and loving family of four, and somehow, through her own special magic, she intensified their connection with her daily love and joy. That is her legacy. She made everyone better. She taught us to live in the moment and showed us a different level of happiness. We can, and will, always celebrate her for those gifts. Myla was and will always be the sunshine of our lives.
Everyone reading this is trying to understand why this happened…and we have all come up empty. There is no way to make sense of this…but we CAN understand and celebrate Myla’s life, her contribution to our lives, and her lasting impact. That is where we can look for peace.
We know that our family and countless others are feeling the unbearable pain of loss. With mercy, we can replace some of this pain with our cherished memories of Myla. In addition to these memories, perhaps we can all come to fully understand and appreciate how powerful a short, but extraordinarily beautiful life can be so consequential. Myla’s love, hugs, smile and sweet laugh created such widespread joy. For those that knew Myla, her name will forever be synonymous with joy.
Myla is survived by her parents, Angela and Darren West and her brothers Wyatt and Benny West, her Grandparents Barbara and Jim Fowler and Melissa and Warren West. In her extended family, Myla is survived by her loving aunts, uncles and cousins (Annie, Ryan, Robin, Mark, Cara, Jason, Garrett, Lila, Sally, Lydia, Lauren, Jack and Erik). Myla had many, many friends, including Remy, Lily and Marley, Kim, Hadley and Charlie, Wyatt & Reily, and Ruby & Annie. She shared a powerful bond with her friend Jo (who was part of the family), as they both led with their hearts. She will forever be in all of our hearts.
We are so grateful for the outpouring of love and support the family has received from all across the country. Details on our Celebration of Life for Myla will be communicated as soon as available.
“There is no foot too small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world.” Unknown