Perry Louis Spease

Perry Louis Spease, 69, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2008, at his residence in Redding, Calif.

Graveside services were Saturday at Grandview Cemetery with interment following.

Perry Louis Spease was born on May 17, 1939, in Sacramento, Calif., to Louis and Beatrice Spease. He had an older sister and was later joined by a younger brother.

Perry grew up between Sacramento and Camptonville, Calif., graduating from high school in Sacramento.

He joined the Army in 1957 and was trained in field mines, explosives, and driving a tank. Perry served two tours of duty in Korea.

After returning to California, he married Mary Franklin, whom he had met at the Savin Sam's gas station in Nevada City, Calif. They had four children ' daughters Ellen and Norma were followed by twin boys, David and Michael.

During Perry's marriage to Mary, he worked as an explosive expert in the mines in Nevada, then moved on with his explosive expertise to the logging industry. Perry and Mary's marriage ended, but they remained friends.

In 1978, Perry moved to Idaho with his new wife, Roxanne Rodgers.

There he continued his career in logging and devoted his spare time to volunteering at the local fire department. Perry was active with Curly Creek Volunteer Fire Depart-ment for 18 years.

Due to economics, Perry changed his occupation from logging and went to work for Bonner County as a jailer. He remained there until he was disabled in an accident. Around this time, Perry's marriage to Roxanne had also ended.

Perry left Idaho and returned to California in 1996, moving to Redding. He stayed with some friends and was introduced to Nancy Reed. Nancy and Perry were together for the past 12 years until his passing.

Perry was a one-of-a-kind individual. He loved to be loved, but could not always show his feelings. He was often gruff and grumbly so he would not have to show too much of what was inside.

Perry would sit on the porch of his home in Redding and watch the people pass. Homeless and poor alike would come and sit with him.

He would offer them a drink or a ride to the food bank or the shelter. Occasionally he would give money to help a needy woman have a place to sleep with her children.

Perry loved his guns and was an active trader. He was a member of the National Rifle Association and had completed extensive training and certification on pistol marksmanship.

He will be sorely missed by many and we pray that he has moved on to a happier, pain-free place.

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

Bonners Ferry Funeral Home handled arrangements.