Jake Altmiller, 83, Orofino legend
Jake Altmiller passed away early on March 18, 2004 of complications of congestive heart condition at Clearwater Health and Rehabilitation in Orofino. He was 83. Jake is survived by his wife Barbara; a son Art of Orofino; a daughter Christine Hoofnagle of Cove, Ore.; two sisters, Mary Kelley of Portland, Ore. and Anna McIntire of Kamiah; brother Fred of Orofino; nine grandchildren and many beloved nephews, nieces and cousins. Jake was born Dec. 23, 1920 at the family home at "Bruce's Eddy", near the Clearwater River near Ahsahka, to Austrian-born Frank S. Altmiller, Sr. and Michigan-born Alwina Regine Wegner. He was number eight of 12 children. His parents had a large truck garden farm which produced their livelihood. Jake rode with his father by wagon to farm other areas, such as Harmony Heights and Big Island, where mostly potatoes were grown. He would also travel with his mother to sell milk, cream, eggs, chickens and produce of many kinds to Orofino Mercantile, Hayes-Dawson (food store), Orofino Creamery and other businesses and individuals. Jake, along with his brothers and sisters, learned to work at an early age, becoming very capable people. Endowed with a strong work ethic, Jake could see the merit of getting things done versus just talking about getting things done. He embodied the idea "if a job is worth doing, it is worth doing well." He also taught this by precept. His ever-stable and consistent example were good teachers. Jake enjoyed power sawing, the Clearwater River, the "back country", gardening and spending time with his extended family. He received his schooling at Ahsahka, graduating from the eighth grade. Much of his education was not formal training, but learned by self-directed study and practice. Jake had many adventures going to school with his brothers and sisters, crossing the river by boat, or on the ice in the winter. Some of his teachers were Asa Calvert and Edith Crowley. Jake learned some Nez Perce words and culture from his father. Bruce's Eddy had many visitors, especially in the summer. On one occasion the Altmillers traded a certain number of deer hides for a pair of finished, tanned deer skin moccasins to be made. When Lucy Corbett brought the finished moccasins, Jake's young feet fit them best. Jake always prized them. A few years later, Jake and brother Ernie did a lot of trapping in the back country on snowshoes. Some years the temperatures reached -40 degrees F. A few places they trapped were the Schofield burn and Beaver Creek. For several winters, Jake and his brother Frank went dog sledding in the back country. On one occasion, the two took over 1200 pounds of life-saving food to men who had been snowed in and had run out of food. During that winter's exceptionally heavy snow, two men from the pole camp had started out for help. Frank and Jake found one man collapsed in the snow, literally saving his life too. When Jake was about 16 he worked on the road construction crew that built the road between Greer and Kamiah. The job consisted of a lot of blasting and rock work. Early experiences in the logging industry included work at home at Bruce's Eddy, which was Potlatch Camp A in earlier years. He later worked for Mel Snook logging. Jake's first job after marrying Barbara Carper was cutting timber for Mel. Enlisting in the U.S. Navy, Jake served during WWII in the Pacific theater, in Africa and Europe. War experiences included Japanese night bombing raids by kamikaze planes. He was chosen as one of about 30 men to drive amphibious duks making initial beachhead landings on Normandy Beach, Omaha Beach and elsewhere. Navy schooling also included diesel mechanics and refrigeration. Jake was not only patriotic, but open minded and changing his political perspectives when his understanding of political dynamics and freedom increased. He became a pilot after WWII, studying on the GI Bill in Orofino with Abe Bowler. He flew to LaGrande, Ore. to see Barbara Carper, who he had met earlier when she visited Idaho. They were married on Easter Sunday, April 9, 1950 in Cove, Ore. Jake was in two Hollywood movies. The first one, "The Un-conquered" starred Gary Cooper and Paulette Goddard. Jake's skill with a canoe in white water helped him with his part as an Indian scout on rough river scenes. In 1951, he played in his second movie, "The Big Sky" with Kirk Douglas and Buddy Baer. Jake took his family to Jackson Hole, Wyo. for the filming. Jake and his brother Ernie, both played French riverboat men. Many other local men were also in the film. Jake participated in the Clearwater County Fair and Lumberjack Days throughout the whole course of his adult life, from age 26 to age 81. He was in the original Logging Show and continued participating longer than any other participant. In 1999, about a month after a "mini-stroke", Jake participated in the sawing contest. In an earlier year, he participated with a cast on his leg under his logging jeans! He loved to "live off the land." Hunting and fishing were both recreation and practical. He grew a large garden his entire life and few people took more consistent care of their gardens and trees. He won many prizes including Best of Show in fruit and vegetable categories. While still a young single man, Jake lived near some of his married brothers and sisters. His genuine respect and enjoyment of young nieces and nephews seemed to sew seeds of love and continued to bring wonderful memories. Jake was probably the last person to see "the Ridgerunner" when he left the Clearwater area. Jake talked of the "old timers he had known and was a link between the past history and present life in the Clearwater area. It has been said he was a legend in his own time. In his later years, he enjoyed time with his grandchildren, fishing, hunting, gardening, getting firewood and making homemade wooden toys. He was always a very generous and hospitable man. Jake leaves a rich heritage.
Emil Robert Beyer, 91, Southwick
Emil Robert Beyer, Southwick, died peacefully April 5, 2004, of causes related to age. He was 91. Emil was born on April 9, 1912, in Wausau, Wisc., to William Beyer and Lina Stein Beyer. He was the third of ten children. He grew up on the family farm in Wausau near Rib Hill where he learned the importance of hard work, and the values of kindness, honesty, and dependability. He was a devoted son, helping with all the farm chores as well as the care of his younger brothers and sisters. Emil served in the military during World War II. After his discharge he came west; first to Plummer and eventually to Moscow. There he answered a newspaper ad "Widow Needs Help on Farm." He journeyed to Southwick and married Verla Charest when the "bluebirds returned" in the spring of 1952. Emil spent his lifetime helping others. A carpenter by trade, he built, remodeled, and roofed many buildings in the Southwick area. Each spring you would see him traveling up and down the road on his tractor cultivating gardens, and as summer approached mowing, raking, and baling hay. When asked to "witch for water," he could locate a vein, usually tell you the depth of the water, and sometimes determine the amount of water available. Emil always said his ability to find water was a gift from God. His example of neatness, thriftiness, and hard work are what truly made Emil our "Southwick Treasure." Emil was preceded in death by his wife Verla, brothers Frank and Herman, and sisters Gustie, Martha, and Minnie. A sister Bertha of Wausau and brothers Gust of of Wausau, Edward of King, Wisc. and George of Effie, Minn. survive him. Viewing is from noon to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 8, at Pine Hills Funeral Chapel in Orofino. A graveside service will be held on Friday, April 9, at 10:30 at the Southwick Cemetery. Pastor Charlie Olson of the Southwick Bible Church will officiate. Memorials may be made to Southwick Bible Church.
Donna Flatt, 61, formerly of Orofino
Donna Flatt, age 61, a resident of Clarkston, WA died Sunday, April 4, 2004 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was born July 5, 1942 in Hope, ID to Birdie Viola Wiltze Kelley and Leo Ryan Kelley. Donna worked as the hospital in Rupert, Idaho and her family beet farm while their children were in grade school in Rupert. Later she worked as a bus driver and as a checker at the Circle K convenience stores in Orofino and Lewiston. She worked at the Flying J convenience store in the Lewiston Orchards for ten years before becoming involved in home health care as a caregiver for the elderly. She loved to fish and camp. She regularly had coffee with her friends at the round table at Jeffrey's Restaurant in Lewiston. She enjoyed card games and loved winning games against her children. Donna especially loved her grandchildren. Donna is survived by two daughters, Teresa Ann Preussler of Clarkson and Lisa Dawn Lietzke of Lewiston; a son, Gerald Lee Hieb of Gresham, Ore.; a sister, Alice Viola Anderson of Lewiston and a brother, Larry Kelley of Longview, WA, as well as many grandchildren and once great-granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leo Ryan Kelley and Birdie Viola Wiltze Kelley; her granddaughter, Shawntel Marie Nice-Kessel, and one sister, Ruth Ross; brothers Albert Kelley, Robert "Kayo" Kelley, Harold Kelley, Jim Kelley, Floyd Kelley and Lester Kelley. Funeral services were held April 7 at Mountain View Funeral Home in Lewiston. Rev. Steve Taulbee officiated. Burial was at Lewis Clark Memorial Gardens.
Melvin Ray Ruark, 70, former coach
Melvin Ray Ruark died Saturday, April 3, 2004, at his residence in Lewiston. Mel's life expired by his own hand after many, many years of suffering severe pain to his body. He was born March 31, 1934 to Melvin E. and Frances Ruark, at their family home in Lewiston. After graduating from Lewiston High School he attended Linfield College on a baseball scholarship and was a member of the ATO fraternity. He excelled in baseball and was honored by being selected all-league his freshman year. In 1958, he met and married Benita Schroeder. They later divorced. Mel graduated from the University of Idaho in 1959 and began a 30-year career in education and coaching by accepting his first position as a coach and teacher at Weippe. His success as a teacher and coach are still remembered at Weippe. He was an instructor of biology, health, English, economics, civics and PE. He guided the Weippe Gorillas to a state basketball championship in 1961, won a district title in 1962 and led them to another appearance in the 1963 state tournament. His football teams also were very successful. Mel became a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in 1957, competing in bull and saddle bronc riding. While in Weippe, he was highly instrumental in organizing and producing the first Weippe Rodeo in 1961. He served as the association's first secretary. On the 25th anniversary of the event, he was honored by being chosen, along with Fred Young, as co-grand marshal of the 1986 Weippe Rodeo and parade. The event still continues as the best "little rodeo" in the Northwest. He never forgot his love for the Weippe Prairie and its people. In 1964, Mel moved to Asotin, where he taught for two years before accepting a position as teacher and coach at Sacajawea Junior High School, where he remained until his retirement. Mel is survived by his daughter Lori; his mother, Frances; and a brother Dick and his wife, Ann, all of Lewiston. He is also survived by a sister, Patty Wassmuth of Austin, Texas. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Malcom's Funeral Home in Lewiston. A reception will follow the service. Burial of his cremated remains will be conducted at Starbuck, Wash., at a later date. It is suggested memorials be sent to the Lewis and Clark Animal Shelter.
Brian Abitz, 20, Kendrick
Brian John Abitz, 20, was born March 31, 1983, to John and Mary Abitz in Seattle. His body was found Wednesday, Marcy 17, 2004 by a search and rescue team member. He was last seen Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2003, when he went into the woods about five miles from his home. Brian attended grade school in Seattle. In 1995, the family moved to Kendrick, and Brian attended three yeas of school in Kendrick and was then home-schooled. He received his general education development in the spring of 2001. He loved nature and being around animals. He loved to go camping, hunting, four-wheeling, motorcycling and snowmobiling. Each year he would help his parents bring in plenty of firewood in addition to the cords of wood he would sell. Brian is survived by his parents, John and Mary of Kendrick; two sisters, Sonja of Kendrick and Karen of Lewiston; his grandmother, Josephine Abitz of Seattle; three uncles, Ted Meske of Kendrick, Duane Meske of Lewiston and Steve Abitz of Seattle; two aunts, Ann Parks of Kendrick and Donna Burkhart of Seattle; and several cousins. A service of remembrance was held Saturday at Cameron Emmanuel Lutheran Church, about five miles east of Kendrick. The Rev. John Blom officiated. Arrangements were under the direction of Mountain View Funeral Home of Lewiston.
Roy Edward Wade, Jr., 59, Kamiah
Funeral services for Roy Edward Wade Jr., EN1 USN-R, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 17 at the Pineridge Baptist Church, 108 Larch, Kamiah. Roy departed in death April 8, 2004. Born April 17, 1944 in St. Louis, MO, he was 59 at the time of his death. Roy was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, spanning a career of 20 years of service to his country. He served three tours in Viet Nam and received an honorable discharge with good conduct. He dedicated his life, upon retiring from the naval service, to be with his wife of 31 years, a devoted husband and provider. He was an avid fisherman and wild game hunter. He was loved very much by his family, and will be dearly missed. He leaves behind survivors Shio M. Wade, Kamiah, beloved wife of 31 years; stepfather, Dale Griner of Stites; stepfather Carl Young and wife Alice of Payette, brothers Bill Young and wife Allison of Pierce; Paul Young and wife Linda of La Grande, Ore.; sisters Nalonie Thompson of Okla., Janet Stein and husband Jeff of Tucson, Ariz., and Carline Mogensen and husband Craig of Minn.; a sister-in-law Ritsuko (Junco) Martinez and husband Joe of Raton, NM. He is also survived by nephews Lance Young and wife Cheryl of Pierce, Carl Young of Orofino, Jeff Miller of Post Falls, Josh Young of La Grande, Ore., Doug Robinett of Arizona, Jonathan Mogensen of Minnesota, Rick Martinez and wife Melissa of Alamosa, Colo.; nieces Tonya Miller of Jacksonville, Fla., Shasta Corcoran of New York, Yvonne Hoiland of Ariz., Heather Davis of Minn., Yuki Martinez of Raton, NM; grandniece/nephew Amara and Ricardo J. Martinez Jr., of Alamosa, Colo and many other relatives. He was preceded in death by his mother, Pauline Griner and father, Roy Wade, Sr. Those who wish to do so may contribute to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.
William Richardson, 65, Orofino
William Martin Richardson, a lifelong Orofino resident, passed away Monday, April 19, 2004 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston. He was 65. William was born Aug. 10, 1938 to Homer L. and Ester E. Martin Richardson. He attended elementary, middle and high school in Orofino. After graduation, he entered the military for two years. William married Burnice R. Lenz, Oct. 10, 1977 in Reno, Nev. For many years, William was employed at Riverside Mill. He was also employed by Ken Miller Logging and Ken Weller Logging until ill health forced his retirement. William was a western man, from his earliest years through his lifetime. There were a number of times when a horse or mule may have gotten the best of him, but not too often. He spent much of his time making western style saddles and doing leather braiding of all types. He spent many enjoyable hours at his craft. His most devoted friend the last several years has been Clancy, the family dog, who provided constant companionship and endless love. Survivors include his wife at the family home; one brother, Jerry Richardson and one sister, Marietta Arave. He was preceded in death by his mother, father and three brothers. At his request, there will be no services and cremation has taken place.
Rosetta May Price Carlson, 45
Rosetta May Price Carlson, 45, of Orofino passed away at Sacred Heart Medical Center April 18, 2004 of an aneurysm. She was born to James C. and Rose E. Price at Orofino May 27, 1958. Zetta attended local schools. In 1975 she married Charles Broncheau. They had one child. He passed away in 1976. At this time she worked for the Dept. of Labor. She married Dennis Powell in 1978. They had two children. She was a homemaker and mother. This marriage ended in divorce. She later met and married Mike Carlson in 1996. She traveled with him in California, Oregon, Washington, Montana and Idaho heli-logging. The past three years they have resided in Orofino. She was employed at Riverside Motel. Zetta enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her two grandchildren. She also liked camping, mushroom and berry picking, family gatherings and Easter baseball. She is survived by her husband, Mike Carlson; a son Dennis J. and his wife Johnnie and son Nicholas Powell of Clarkston, Wash.; a daughter, Victoria Rose Powell and her companion Steve Hudson and her daughter Megan Hill of Orofino. She is also survived by her father, James C. Price, two sisters, Patricia Sharrard and April Price, all of Orofino; her maternal grandmother, Mae Williams of Harpster; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. She was preceded in death by her mother Rose; brother James and daughter Rose Marie. There will be a memorial service at 11 a.m. April 24 at the Orofino Methodist Church. Interment will follow at the Weseman Cemetery. A covered dish luncheon will follow at the Orofino Community Center. She was loved and will be missed by all.
Vincent Ivan Scott Lewis, stillborn
Vincent Ivan Scott Lewis, the son of Patrick and Miranda Ralls Lewis, was stillborn April 6, 2004 at St. Mary's Hospital in Cottonwood. He is survived by his parents of Kamiah; a sister, Morgan Ralls; maternal grandparents, Jane Eldridge of Kamiah and Clay Ralls of Missoula, Mont.; and paternal grandparents, Pat and Doug Kingen of Weippe and Jim Lewis of Kamiah. A graveside service was held Monday at the Fraser Cemetery with Pastor Don Blain of Weippe officiating. Pine Hills Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements.
Lowell A. Bowles
Lowell A. Bowles, 61, of Kamiah, died Sunday, April 13, 2004 at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle. Funeral Services will be Saturday, April 24, at 1 p.m. at the Christian Church, 307 4th St. in Nezperce, ID. Uhlorn Funeral Home, Cottonwood, is in charge of arrangements.
Marilyn A. Anderson, 61
Marilyn A. Anderson, 61, an Orofino resident died April 20, 2004 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston. She was the wife of Rev. Hale Anderson, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Orofino. Funeral arrangements are pending at Pine Hills Funeral Chapel.
Laura Mae Jordan, 47, Orofino
Laura Mae Jordan went into the presence of the Lord Sunday, Aug. 8, 2004 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston. She was 47. Laura was born in West Branch, Mich. to William Ronald Jordan and Bonna Mae Howe on March 9, 1957. She was raised in Houghton Lake, Mich. She received a degree in Correctional Administration and Correctional Procedures in 1997 from Kirtland College in Michigan. She had recently taken a medical leave from her position as a Correctional Officer at the Idaho Correctional Institution in Orofino. Laura is survived by her husband, Randy Aldrich of Orofino; three sons, Robert Rayment and wife Leanne of Pierce, Ryan Rayment of Orofino and Jeremy Rayment and wife Taryn of Fruitport, Mich.; two stepchildren, Jeff Aldrich and wife Jackie of Lewiston and Kerisha Aldrich of Orofino; four siblings, Tom Jordan and wife Grace of Houghton Lake, Mich., Jerry Jordan and wife Tanya of Brooksville, Fla., Janice Isham and husband Ron of Lansing, Mich. and Willy Jordan and wife Lisa of Mt. Vernon, Ohio. Also surviving are three beautiful granddaughters, Mackenzie, Jaighden and Delaney; and several aunts, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by both her parents, William and Bonna Jordan of Houghton Lake, Mich. Services were held Wednesday at the Orofino Tabernacle Church. A luncheon followed, provided by the friends and family of Laura. Arrangements were under the direction of Pine Hills Funeral Chapel.
Joseph Glenn Gibbar, 77, Weippe
Joseph Glenn Gibbar died Thursday, Aug. 5, 2004 on his Weippe farm he loved so much. He was 77. Glenn was born May 14, 1927 to Joseph and Mary Gibbar. He moved to Weippe from Missouri in 1949 and began working for Bob Dennison as a farmhand. He married Betty Mae Heywood Nov. 25, 1954 and they made their home in Weippe with their four children. He worked loading logs for over 30 years, working for various employers including Lloyd Hester Logging, Bill Beck Logging and Royce Ebert Logging. He worked for Clearwater Highway District in the early 70's until he retired to farming on his ranch. Glenn loved his property on Three Mile Road and turned what he called a stump ranch into a family home. He loved raising hogs, gardening and working with his dogs. He was known around the area for his beautiful garden, especially his garlic and potatoes. He liked the outdoors, going camping and fishing for steelhead or taking his grandchildren to the catfish pond on the ranch. Glenn loved to play cards and really enjoyed his Thursday pinochle games in Weippe and playing poker at home with his children and grandchildren. Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, his wife Betty and a daughter-in-law, Barbara. Survivors include four children, a son Marvin Gibbar of Weippe; daughter LeAnn Gibbar of Pullman, daughter and son-in-law Shelly and Gary Stewart of Weippe and son and daughter-in-law Terry and Coy Gibbar of Lewiston; nine grandchildren and four great-grandsons. His family and friends will miss him dearly. Graveside services were held Monday at the Weippe Cemetery, followed by a dinner at the IOOF Hall in Weippe. Pine Hills Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements.
Amy Sue Benson-Rales, 37, Peck
Amy Sue Benson-Rales, beloved daughter, sister, mother, aunt and friend passed away suddenly Aug. 9, 2004. She was 37. Amy was born in Clarkston, Wash. on Aug. 19, 1966 and lived most of her life in Orofino. She was an avid horsewoman and loved to ride on the family ranch. She enjoyed laughing and spending time with family and friends. She was always there with a helping hand and an enduring sense of humor. Fierce loyalty and an unending capacity to love are Amy's most remembered qualities. She is loved and will be missed by the three lights of her life, her daughters, Jasmine Aase, Shania and Alexis Rales. Others who love and miss Amy are her mother and stepfather, Lucile and Ed Joscelyn; her father Gordon Benson; her siblings, LuAnne Nacarrini and Tresa English, both of Spokane, Mark Sutton Lewiston, Tammy Reilly, Lisa Ponozzo, Misty Gerhart and Boo (Gordon Benson); lots of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and friends. Those who loved her will carry her little girl smile, and her infectious laugh in their hearts forever. A private service with family and friends was held at the family home in Peck.
Jesse Lyle Walker, 74, Kooksia
Jesse Lyle Walker of Kooskia, passed away July 28, 2004 at Lewiston where he was a resident of Wedgwood Terrace. Lyle suffered of Vascular Dementia, and was 74 at the time of his death. Lyle was born July 4, 1930, at the family home on Tahoe Ridge near Kooskia. He was the fourth and last child of Jesse Wilbert and Lenora (Whitted) Walker. Lyle spent his entire life in the Kooskia and Kamiah area. He attended many of the one-room schoolhouses, Clearwater, Harpster, Kidder Ridge, Tahoe to name a few. He graduated from Clearwater Valley High School, where he met the love of his life, Phyllis Jo Gray. The couple married in Grangeville Oct. 7, 1950 and seven children followed. After spending two years in the Army, Lyle worked at the Twin Feathers Unit of Potlatch Corporation in Kamiah for 30+ years, where he retired early as a lumber grader on the planer side. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and working on his small ranch. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Phyllis Walker; daughters Donna Nash, and Robin Walker of Yakima; sons Ron and wife Laura Walker of Post Falls, Steve and wife Kim Walker of Tahoe Ridge, Tony of Kooskia, Cliff and wife Betsy of Kamiah, Scott and wife Lorraine of Stites; 12 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. His parents, two sisters Margaret and Gertrude, and brother Leo preceded him in death. Cremation has taken place at Trenary Funeral Home. A gathering is planned at the Kooskia First Presbyterian Church at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 5. Rev. Luann Howard will officiate. A potluck dinner will follow at the church. All are welcome to come, visit, and share with the family.
Mary E. Kelley, 81, former resident
Mary E. (Altmiller) Kelley, of Portland, Ore., and former Orofino resident, died Saturday, Aug. 7 of hip surgery complications at the Beaverton Rehabilitation Center in Beaverton, Ore. She was 81. Mary, the daughter of Frank and Alwina (Wegner) Altmiller, was born Dec. 6, 1922 in Ahsahka. The family homesteaded a truck farm in Bruces Eddy. She graduated from Orofino High School and worked part time as a bookkeeper and office manager for Stark Street Appliance in Portland. She married James C. (Skeet) Kelley, May 9, 1944 in Vallejo, Calif. They had two children, James C. Kelley, Jr. and George A. Kelley. Survivors include her son James C. Kelley of Aloha, Ore.; brother Fred Altmiller of Orofino; sister Anna McIntire of Woodland; granddaughter Laurie A. Ashworth and great-granddaughter, Kylee P. Ashworth. Graveside services were held Aug. 11 at the Orofino Cemetery. Officiating was Rev. Phillip Bonner. The family suggests contributions in her memory be made to the American Cancer Society, 2676 Vista Ave., Boise, ID 83705.
SPC Brandon Thomas Titus, 20, former resident
SPC Brandon Thomas Titus, 20, of Boise, ID was killed in action during combat operations in Iraq Aug, 17, 2004, while serving with the 10th Mountain Division. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 30 at St. Mark's Catholic Church, 7960 Northview, Boise. Arrangements are under the direction of Alden-Waggoner Funeral Chapel, 5400 Fairview Ave., Boise, 376-5400. Viewing will be held Saturday, Aug, 28 at 12 noon to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 29, 1 to 8 p.m. at the funeral chapel. Burial with full military honors will follow at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery. Brandon was born in Boise December 12, 1983 to Thomas and Debi Titus. Brandon grew up in Boise, moving to the Orofino area with his mother at age seven. During that time he was active in school sports, band, Kiwanis Youth Group, and was an All-Star Little League baseball player. At age 13 he returned to Boise and spent his remaining years with his father. Brandon graduated from Borah High School in 2002. He was active throughout his junior and senior high school years in football, basketball and wrestling, and his senior year at Borah H.S. placed him in the position of tight-end on the varsity team, where he was known for having the heart of a Lion. His nickname was "Renegade," which still remains branded on his Borah H.S. letterman's jacket and tattooed on his arm. His amusing antics were well known by all during his school years, especially when he was on the editorial staff of the Borah High School Lions newspaper. His smile was engaging, as was his attitude. Brandon loved his first vehicle, a GMC Sonoma truck, so much that he would spend hours washing and waxing it, when he wasn't sliding through any available mud. There again, his smile was like permagrin whenever he was driving it. His passion for Harley motorcycles was very evident, as was his love for the family Labrador pups, Ranger and Sarge. Brandon made the decision to study and join the Catholic Church, and was an active member of St. Mark's. His involvement with their Youth Organization was very important to him. After his graduation from Borah H.S. in 2002 Brandon's love for his country resulted in his enlisting in the military, a conviction he shared with his father, an uncle and two grandfathers. His goal was the United States Army Airborne and Ranger schools, respectively, and to be the best of the best. Brandon remained in Boise under the U.S. Army delayed entry program to help coach the Borah High School sophomore football team through most of the 2002 Fall season before reporting for active duty to Fort Benning, GA. His dedication to the sophomore football team was very apparent by the respect he received from the players and staff. At the last 2002 season game, Brandon received the game ball signed by all players and coaching staff, which he has cherished forever. Brandon's military service began in Fort Benning, Georgia, carried through to airborne school and his brief entry into ranger school. His next duty assignment placed him at Fort Drum, NY with the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), 3rd Platoon, B Company, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry. Once at Fort Drum Brandon assisted in the naming of his platoon (OUTLAWS) and coined their motto: "Ride or Die." He will always be remembered by his fellow soldiers and their families for his smile. His willingness and dedication to do his best earned him the team leader slot on the 240B Heavy Gun team and quick advancement to the rank of Specialist 4 within a two-year period. Brandon exemplified the American Soldier, cherishing the freedoms given to him, which he felt needed to be repaid by his service to his country. He extended his enlistment to ensure his combat assignment to Iraq, which earned him the Lead Gunner position on his humvee and the much earned respect of his men. As a result of his death and his unselfish actions of saving several other soldiers, he has been awarded the Bronze Star, in addition to the Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge (CIB) and several other commendations. Brandon is survived by his mother, Debi Titus of Vancouver, WA (formerly of Orofino); father, Thomas Titus of and sister, Libby Titus, both of Boise; grandfather, Ret. Major Robert E. Thomason and grandmother, E. Rae Thomason of Orofino; grandmother, Virginia L. DeWitt-Schafer of Vallejo, CA; uncle, SSGT Robert E. Thomason Jr, Korea; aunts, June Thomason-Finke, Orofino, and Karen Thomason Bauch, Boise; many other aunts and uncles; and numerous cousins, including Kathy Dahl Rosencrantz, Boise, Julie Dahl-Anderson, Eagle, Nicholas and Noah Dotson, Boise, Joy Jones, Orofino, and Christy Finke, Salina, KS. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, G.I. and Josephine A. Titus. A perpetual memorial/ foundation fund is being established to honor Brandon's memory, which will provide comfort to all families of any future Idaho military personnel killed in action. Brandon was a warrior/soldier, steadfast in his belief to defend America.
Donald R. Morton, 65, Orofino
Donald Ray Morton died Aug. 15, 2004 at Clearwater Valley Hospital in Orofino. He was 65. Donald was born March 4, 1939 in Twin Falls to Wilford and Lucille Bullock. He was a hard worker, being employed at Potlatch for over 30 years. He enjoyed his retirement years, going hunting, fishing and camping as much as possible. He liked visiting his brother Bill in Texas, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was a member of the Lions Club. Survivors include his brother Bill Morton and wife Belle; sons Donnie Ray Morton, Robert Morton and wife Melinda; daughter Tracie Morton; and grandchildren Justin, Heather, Kodee, Brittany and Sierra; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lucille Bullock and Wilford Bullock and a sister, Leorna Bullock. Services were held Saturday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Orofino. Arrangements were under the direction of Pine Hills Funeral Chapel.
Rebecca Flaa, 48
Rebecca Flaa, 48, daughter of John and Joann Lacy of Orofino was the victim of a homicide at Cando, ND, June 27, 2004. There is an ongoing homicide investigation with more information expected in seven to 10 days. The Lacys extend their appreciation to their family and friends for the many acts of kindness shown during this difficult time.
John Lynn Townsend, Sr., 84
John Lynn Townsend, Sr., died at his Orofino home, June 26, 2004. He was 84. John was born Feb. 29, 1920 at Smith Center, Kan. to Ralph Townsend and Anna Townsend-Mathes. He received his education at Smith Center and attended Smith Center High School. He joined the United States Army, serving from Nov. 18, 1943 to April 6, 1946. He received a lapel button, an American Theater ribbon, a Good Conduct medal, a Victory Ribbon, a Military Police award and earned a Carbine Expert award. John was married to Ima Jene McKlean from 1940 to 1949. He was married to Mary Lee Store from Aug. 1950 to April 1964. He married Lucile Birkeland May 26, 1964 in Eugene, Ore. He began his work career as a mill worker in 1953. From April 1963 to March 1965 he was self-employed as a log, hay, and shakes driver and worked as a carpenter. He then drove a school bus in LaPine, Ore. and worked at LaPine Builder's Supply from Nov. 1969 until he retired in May 1976. John and Lucile moved to Orofino 18 years ago. Besides his wife Lucile Townsend of Orofino, survivors include two daughters, Linda Cheryal of Kansas and Cindy Lynn McDonald of Calif.; two sons, Douglas Lee Townsend of Cape Cod, Mass. and John Lynn Townsend, Jr. of Lewiston; four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandchild. At his request no services will be held. Pine Hills Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements.
Lewis L. Arave, 93, Ahsahka
Lewis L. Arave, Ahsahka, passed away July 3, 2004. He was 93. Lewis was born Oct. 12, 1910 to Eugene and Lillian Arave. He was one of 10 children raised in Hooper, Utah. He married Edna Stark in 1933 in the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They were the parents of two sets of twins. Lewis was a truck driver most of his life. He was an avid fisherman on the Clearwater and Salmon rivers. He was a member of the LDS Church and the Orofino Senior Citizens. His wife Edna, an infant granddaughter and his daughter Joanne preceded him in death. Survivors include daughters Janean and son-in-law Grant Dickamore of South Weber, Utah and Deon and son-in-law Bob Somers of Ogden, Utah; his son Dennis and daughter-in-law Marietta of Orofino. Lewis had 13 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. Funeral and graveside services were held in Hooper, Utah.
