West End Motors Closes After 87 Years, Family Thanks Forks for the Ride
Published 1:30 am Thursday, August 14, 2025
In 1938, a young man named Art Anderson opened a small garage in the heart of Forks, right where the Golden Gate Restaurant stands today. Over the years it was the kind of place where you could get your fender fixed, a tow in the middle of the night, and maybe even drive off in a car if the deal was right.
When World War II called, Art left his hometown to serve in the U.S. Army, returning home in 1945 to once again turn wrenches and help keep Forks moving. In the 1950s, his business grew to include sales of new Kaiser, Frazer, and Plymouth cars. In a deal that’s now part of family history, Art traded his father a 1954 Kaiser for 20 acres just north of town along Highway 101 — the land that would become the new home of West End Motors.
There, Art’s vision expanded. He added a wrecking yard, towing service, and auto repair shop. By the 1960s, he had built a home for his wife Patricia and their sons, and the business became something of a one-stop hub for locals: licensing services, a secondhand store, Presto Logs for heating, and more.
In the 1970s through the 1990s, West End Motors shifted gears again — this time into the marine business, selling boats, Evinrude motors, campers, trailers, and motorhomes, while still offering towing, wrecking, and trailer repairs. The 2000s brought Quick Lube services, exhaust work, tire sales and service, and Department of Licensing transactions.
Through it all, West End Motors remained a true family business. Art’s son Dan has worked there for 50 years, alongside his wife Cheryl for 25. Their sons Rory, Kyle, and Eric have each put in many years. Art’s other son, Artie, gave 35 years to the shop. Art himself worked until he was 85, with Pat right there beside him.
The Andersons say the business wouldn’t have lasted nearly nine decades without the dedication of their employees over the years — and the loyalty of the community they’ve served.
“We couldn’t have been successful without all of our employees, past and present,” Dan and Cheryl shared. “We are retiring and closing at the end of August after 87 years and would like to say thank you to the Forks community for all your support.”
For the people of Forks, West End Motors has been more than just a business. It’s been a piece of local history — a presence through generations, with the kind of service you can’t put a price on.
As the doors close for the last time this month, the Andersons are driving into a well-earned retirement, leaving behind 87 years of hard work and history.
