Former Bonners Ferry resident Arthur "Bill" Edward Wendel, 93, of Spokane, Wash., passed away peacefully on Friday, Jan. 5, 2008, in the company of his family and the presence of the Lord.

Bill was born Feb. 24, 1914, in Porthill to Henry and Mary Wendel.

Bill spent his childhood in Bonners Ferry with nine siblings working on the family farm. He was the only one among his siblings to graduate from Bonners Ferry High School. Bill graduated in 1934.

He was a starter on the basketball team that competed in the state championship.

Bill moved to Spokane and worked for Morrison Brothers Seed Co.

On June 1, 1941, he married the former Ruth Marie Reinhardt of Fairfield, Wash.

In 1951 Bill started his own business and a long-standing career as a concrete contractor. During this time, he made a lot of lifelong friends.

Bill had a real passion for gardening and also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his wife; sons Larry and his significant other, Barbara, and Bob and his wife, Michele; grandchildren Nicole, Kyle, Tiffany, Brad and Laura Wendel, and Desiree Kynaston-Fortune; great-grandchildren Chase, Kason, Lula and Flynn; and loving niece Glenda Poston.

A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, at Thornhill Valley Chapel in Spokane.

In lieu of flowers, send contributions to Hospice of Spokane, 121 S. Arthur, P.O. Box 2215, Spokane, Wash., 99210.