Katherine Haynes, 80

Katherine Haynes was born on May 18, 1926, at Sunnyslope, Alberta, and passed away on Jan. 25, 2007, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho.

She was the fourth and youngest daughter of Abram Brauer and Katherine Brauer. When she was 11, the family moved to Coaldale, Alberta (near Lethbridge).

In her younger years she worked in the sugar beet fields. In due time, she graduated from high school and college and became a teacher.

In 1965, she married an aging hillbilly named Mike Haynes. The couple settled in Porthill, Idaho and had one daughter, Kathy, born in 1968. The family later moved to Bonners Ferry in May 1975 and settled into a two story log home built by Mike.

Katherine's great love in life was painting. Her ambition to become a professional artist was delayed due to lack of opportunity to receive proper training.

Her first break was when she won a contest that allowed her to receive training at the Banff School of Fine Arts.

In 1978, Katherine was able to take a class with internationally known watercolorist Zoltan Szabo.

After attending several of Zoltan's classes and workshops at various national and international locations, Katherine asked if he would consider providing a workshop in Bonners Ferry. The answer was "Yes." With the aid of Bill Dettelbach and Wendy McClintock she made the necessary arrangements for a workshop that became an annual event for some years. In her mind the great moment came when Zoltan traded paintings with her.

She knew then she had reached her goal of becoming a professional artist. Katherine held an annual art show in their home for 30 years. For many years she also taught art classes in their home and throughout the Northwest.

She influenced many artists in the Northwest, and her paintings have been featured in many art magazines as well as an "International Artist Magazine" book. Katherine painted more that 4,000 pictures, mostly watercolors, currently housed in private, corporate, and business collections.

Katherine is survived by her husband Mike; daughter Kathy; six grandchildren and two great grandchildren; several nephews and nieces; and her oldest sister who at 92 still lives in her own apartment. Katherine will be dearly missed by family, friends and her many students. There will be no service at this time. A loving memorial to celebrate her life will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Bonner Community Hospice, P.O. Box 1448, Sandpoint, ID 83864 or Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 423, Bonners Ferry ID 83805.

The family also wishes to announce the creation of a Katherine Haynes Art Scholarship for Bonners Ferry High School graduating seniors.

Memorials may be made to this scholarship fund in Katherine's name c/o Panhandle State Bank, P.O. Box 1479, Bonners Ferry ID 83805.