Man credited with creating Doritos dies at 97

DALLAS -- Arch West, a retired Frito-Lay marketing executive credited with creating Doritos as the first national tortilla chip brand, has died in Dallas at age 97.

A statement issued by the West family says he died Tuesday at Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas. A graveside service is scheduled for Oct. 1. Daughter Jana Hacker tells The Dallas Morning News the family plans on "tossing Doritos chips in before they put the dirt over the urn."

West was a marketing vice president for Dallas-based Frito-Lay in 1961 when, while on a family vacation near San Diego, he found a snack shack selling fried tortilla chips. Hacker says her father got a tepid corporate response to the tortilla chip idea, but conducted marketing research that led to the Doritos roll-out.

[ldeibler]

Nacho Cheese Doritos will always remain my go-to choice! I thought the family's addition to his memorial service was well-suited.

Here's another quick read I found that pays tribute to Mr. West: http://www.pavonefoodandbev.com/arch-west-doritos-inventor-former-frito-lay-marketing-vp-buried-in-nacho-cheesy-memorial-service/

[dresia]

Thank you Arch West, for helping to make my childhood a wonderful and happy and memorial one with one of my favorite snack foods I had for lunches every now and then, Doritos.

[dresia]

I meant to say, rememberable one, (not memorial)

[skithebumps]

Since they're throwing some Doritos into the old boy's grave the least they could do is to toss in some sour cream and cheese dip just to make the snack experience complete.

[skithebumps]

Since they're throwing some Doritos into the old boy's grave the least they could do is to toss in some sour cream and cheese dip just to make the snack experience complete.

[skithebumps]

Since they're throwing some Doritos into the old boy's grave the least they could do is to toss in some sour cream and cheese dip just to make the snack experience complete.

[636anton33]

I think I will open another bag in his honor. They are awesome!!!!!!!!!!!

[credibility2]

This man's idea changed the snack world and made a lot of snackers happy.

[stupa5]

Died at 97 what do expect from eating junk food!