Community Mourns the loss of Rockey Burkholder

BONNERS FERRY — Residents are mourning the loss of a valued member of the community. Rockey Burkholder, 72, passed away Monday, Dec. 7, at 7:27 p.m. at the Bonner General Hospital.

Rockey and Valdie Burkholder quickly fell ill to COVID-19, but Valdie Burkholder recovered slowly from the deadly virus.

The outpouring of sadness, love and remembrance is felt in Boundary County, and many have shared their kind words and memories of Rockey, who positively impacted the lives of many.

In a public post, Dr. Marty Becker responded to condolences and outpouring for Rockey Burkholder’s passing.

“Thank you for your prayers, love, and support,” Marty Becker said, “Thank you God for answering our prayers to end Rockey’s suffering almost immediately after we lifted up the request.”

In another public statement from Mikkel Becker, she expressed what she loved about Rockey and how he made everyone’s day brighter.

“Rockey was God’s earthly angel who shone light, laughter, and goodness wherever he went, albeit an angel dressed in the brightest and most flamboyantly prints available,” Mikkel Becker wrote.

During Rockey’s last hours, Bonner General allowed the Beckers and Valdie Burkholder to be with Rockey in his final moments.

All three family members held a hand out to hold onto Rockey’s hand, feet and a palm on his head.

In a stark warning to everyone who doubts the severity of COVID-19, Mikkel Becker urges people to take this situation seriously.

“When you see someone you love with all your heart suffering in the worst way of slow suffocation and in tremendous pain, fear, and inability to get enough air; you will believe COVID is more than just a reality, it's a reality that is taking lives, causing unparalleled suffering.”

Mikkel Becker detailed the final moments as Rockey’s heart rate began to slow down, and he made one last comment, “I’m doing good!” always true to the optimism he was known for in the community.

Many in the community have shown their love and support for Rockey, with messages from Boundary Community Hospital saying, “In memory of our dear friend Rockey Burkholder, please pass on a compliment to someone today. We will miss his joie de vivre and optimism. You are beautiful!”

Nancy Plum-Watts wrote, “God bless Rockey and family. He was one of a kind, truly a Bonners Ferry icon.”

Denise Allen wrote, “I met him for the first time when I was a teenager. He had such a sweet and cheerful soul. Prayers to his family and friends.”

The impact was felt by the many businesses he visited, including Under the Sun, which wrote a heartfelt message saying, “It breaks our heart to hear of our favorite customer passing. We will never forget the love and friendship Rockey always showed us, usually expressed in the form of a pocketful of tootsie pops that he “borrowed” from Pace Kerby or a handful of beautiful flowers that he picked just for us on his daily walk to town to come to visit us for a latte.”