Career
He was an active bird bander and was convener of the Altona Survey Group, later part of the Victorian Ornithological Research Group. In 1965 he was awarded the Australian Natural History Medallion. He was also very active in the Bird Observers Club (BOCA), serving as President (1951-1954), Honorary Secretary (1954-1971) and Honorary Treasurer (1963-1971).
In 2005 he was commemorated, on the occasion of BOCA"s centenary, by the creation of a new award, the West. Roy Wheeler Medallion for Excellence in Field Ornithology.