Marion Wilson McLain, 84

Marion Wilson McLain, 84, passed away in his sleep on Aug. 7, 2014, at Boundary Community Hospital.

A memorial service is planned for Sept. 27 at 10 a.m. in the United Methodist Church of Bonners Ferry.

He had been a resident in the long-term care unit since suffering a fall two years ago.

Marion was born in Outlook, Wash., on January 14, 1930. He spent most of his childhood in the central Washington area and graduated from high school in Dayton, Wash.

Marion enlisted in the United States Navy after high school and served on aircraft carriers in the Pacific Fleet.

When he returned home after his service, he married his high school sweetheart Onnie Marie Boone and settled down to making a living and raising a daughter, Juanita M. McKeen of Spokane, Wash., and a son, Charles M. McLain of Henderson, Nev.

His early work history was in trucking and warehouse management. He went on to become a mining company referee for the Bunker Hill Co., in Kellogg, Idaho.

His next career move was to become a U.S. Customs officer and he worked as a warehouse officer and then as an agent Inspector. He retired from the U.S. Customs to live and work on his home in Moyie Springs, a place known as the Bowling Ball House.

Marion was an avid outdoors person, loving to hunt, fish and pick Huckleberries and mushrooms. He served as a scoutmaster and worked with young people in the YMCA.

He taught his children and grandchildren how to hunt and fish. He also loved to square dance, and attended dance activities in many states and Canada.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years and his brother. He is survived by both of his children, 5 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.