Burt Wells

Burt Wells, 84, passed away Thursday, June 5, 2008, at Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d'Alene.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Friday, June 13, at Boundary County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall with interment following at Grandview Cemetery, Bonners Ferry.

Born Francis Burton Wells on Feb. 18, 1924, in Bonners Ferry to Edger and Helms Wells, Burt was raised in Paradise Valley and attended school to the 11th grade, at which time he left to work at Sunshine and Continental mines, spending the winter in Boundary Creek.

With the United States entering into World War II, Burt enlisted in the Army, serving in Europe until VE Day before going to the Philippines. He returned to Bonners Ferry on Christmas Eve 1945.

After trying his hand at various jobs, Burt went to work for the Idaho Department of Transportation in 1947 and stayed there until his retirement in 1984.

Burt married Kathleen Bates on May 23, 1948, and bought into her father's cattle ranch. They made their home in District 2 from then on.

Dad's two loves in life were mom and the horses they raised on the ranch. He also enjoyed hunting and reworking military rifles into sporting rifles, and hand loading. When Burt retired from the State, he devoted himself to the ranch full time.

Burt also believed in giving back to the community. He was involved in Kootenai River Riders, Selkirk Saddle Club, as a 4-H leader and on the Boundary County Fair Board for 18 years, spending many nights and weekends working on the rodeo arena (all three) and grandstands.

Burt enjoyed the many hours spent with his 4-H kids. He also spent time as a Scout leader, and was a member of the American Legion and a lifelong member of the NRA.

Burt was preceded in death by his wife and brother, Edgar.

He is survived by his sons Robert and Cathy and Paul and Charlene (Charlie); grandchildren Joe and Stephanie Wells, LeAnn and James Knott, Heath, Samantha (Sam) and Spencer Wells; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was called grandpa by many more.

Family and friends can sign Burt's book at www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements were handled by Bonners Ferry Funeral Home.