Otis W. (Curly) Simon, 91

Otis W. (Curly) Simon, 91, died peacefully at Valley Vista Care Center in Sandpoint, Idaho on Dec. 19, 2006.

Services were held at the Bonners Ferry Funeral Home on Dec. 23, 2006 at 11 a.m. Internment was at the Grandview Cemetery in Bonners Ferry, Idaho

Curly was born during a blinding snowstorm on May 3, 1915 to Thomas and Emma Simon at their home in Curley Creek. The family later moved to Meadow Creek, where he grew up.

Curly was a "jack-of-all trades" working for the Forest Service, SI Railroad, Bunker Hill smelter, Kelson's Lumber Mill and the Boundary County School District as Maintenance Supervisor.

On Jan/ 24, 1942, Curly married the love of his life, Helen (Pontesso) Simon in Wallace, Idaho. Helen and Curly had three daughters, Donna, Judy and Beatrice.

Curly was a Sergeant in the US Army in the 15th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Group during WWII. He served in the South Pacific until his discharge in 1945. He returned home to Idaho and went back to work at the smelter. Several years later, he moved his family back to Meadow Creek and worked in the timber industry, then for the school district until his retirement in 1976.

After retirement, Curly continued to enjoy his love for the outdoors. Hunting, Fishing and gardening were sources of enjoyment, as was his love for nature's creatures. He enjoyed woodworking and sharing his crafts with family and friends. He was the ultimate "Mr. Fix-It".

Curly is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Helen, daughter Judy (Bill) Anderson, son-in-laws Duane Day and John Vlcek, grandchildren Brian (Shana) Steele, Ketta (Jeff) Everhart, Toni Anderson, John Vlcek, Jason (Amanda) Vlcek, eight great-grandchildren and "The Girls."

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, two daughters and one granddaughter.