Horace Gordon "Westy" West was born on October 31, 1911 in Regina, Saskatchewan to Samuel and Emma West. He received his early education at Albert School and Balfour Technical School. He joined the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve in 1928, and served with the Royal Canadian Navy in the Second World War from 1939 to 1945. Intermittently throughout the 1920s and 1930s, he also worked as a photographer at his brother Wilfred's photographic studio.
After the War, West relocated briefly to Flin Flon, Manitoba where he operated a photographic studio. Upon his return to Regina, he was employed by the Saskatchewan Department of Social Services. Additionally, he worked with Wilfred, and in March 1955, assumed ownership of the photographic studio upon Wilfred's retirement. His photographic works included portraits of prominent politicians to local families, as well as scenes capturing commercial, social, and cultural life in Regina. West operated West's Studio until his retirement in 1981, when his son Mick assumed responsibility.
Aside from his business, West was involved in the community as a member of Emmulation Lodge, the Wascana Kiwanis Club, the Naval Officers of Canada, the Royal United Services Institute, the Navy League of Canada, and the Saskatchewan Professional Photographers Association.
H.G. "Westy" West died in Regina on November 23, 1995.