La Mont West

La Mont West, Jr. (born 2 July 1930, Missouri died 18 November 2022, Vashon Island, WA, age 92) was an anthropologist. He received his PhD in anthropology from Indiana University in 1960. He specialized in sign languages, which he studied among Native American Indians^[1] and Aboriginal Australians

The last 3 decades of his life lived on Vashon Island, in Washington, USA. He became a well recognized figure in the small community. His chosen method of transport on the island was to hitchhike, into his 90's, and with his resemblance to "Gandolf" he made a striking impression. He loved connecting to new people and the conversations that happened enroute. Music was a central and important part of his life. Always present at outdoor music events and festivals, his dancing brought as much joy to witness as it gave him. In the latter years of his life he went by "Tan Cahil".^[2] Cahil was his mother's maiden name. The origin of Tan is a bit murky but he insisted it was pronounced "Shawn*.

Under Tan Cahil he performed with the group "Tribal Voices" releasing CDs through Bard's Cathedral.^[3] He and his band opened Seattle's Hemp Fest for many years.