Fundraiser at Eagles Club nets $5,436 for local cancer victim Larry Owsley

The best things to happen in Larry Owsley's life were his two children.

What a group of snowmobile riders did Saturday for the 57-year-old, terminally-ill cancer victim ranks right up there.

Before a community fundraiser for Owsley, Back Country Access took the Bonners Ferry fire chief for a snowmobile ride.

“These guys got me up there and back,” said Owsley, who was joined by fellow firefighters and friends.

The brown bag auction and spaghetti dinner that followed at the Eagles Club in Bonners Ferry netted $5,436.

“This is unbelievable,” Owsley said. “There isn't anybody who hasn't been super to me. I can't say enough for what the town has done for me.”

Guests from as far as Lewiston, Arizona, Canada, Sandpoint and Seattle attended the fundraiser. Among them was Richard Hollenbeck, Owsley's former teacher.

“Cancer is a horrible thing . . . anything I can do to help,” Hollenbeck said. “He is a good friend, and I know he would support me.”

Owsley was diagnosed with terminal lymphoma brain cancer in early February. He had surgery to remove as much as the tumor as possible. Chemotherapy and other treatment is being done at a cancer center in Coeur d'Alene.

Even though Owsley has health insurance through the city, he has more than $60,000 in medical bills so far.

He has been a volunteer with the fire department since 1978 and fire chief for four years.

“This is hell,” said Owsley. “If I get through this, I will support anything to get rid of cancer.”