Memorial Service for Nicholas West

TYLER — Several dozen turned out Saturday at Tyler’s Bergfeld Park to remember Nicholas West on the 20th anniversary of his death. On November 30, 1993, West was kidnapped from the park, robbed, and murdered because he was perceived to be gay. Saturday’s memorial service, organized by Life Covenant Church, featured several speakers who largely focused on encouraging love, kindness, and compassion. But there was also a grim recounting of West’s murder and the events leading up to it. The remembrance wound down with a candlelight vigil, a moment of silence, some Bible verse readings, and a musical tribute. Attendees also had the opportunity to visit a few booths. It all took place around a marker that’s been placed in the park in West’s memory.