Alva Vernon Baker, 89

Alva Vernon Baker, 89, passed away July 13, 2022. He was at home with his wife of 60 years, Peach, at his side.

Alva was born on March 13, 1933, in Porthill, Idaho. Alva was No. 9 of 10 children, born to Alfred Burtron and Ora Glee Baker. He was raised on Lucas Creek, along the Kootenai River. Alva graduated from Bonners Ferry High School in 1951, went straight into serving in the United States Army until 1953, in Germany. After a year of logging with Pluid Logging, Alva started his career at Pack River Lumber Company. He continued working with the company as it was purchased by WI and then Crown Pacific. Retiring from the lumber mill in 1995, Alva went back to what he truly enjoyed, farming the family farm in Porthill.

The love of his life, Elva May Lozier, he married in 1962. Together, they have two sons, five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren: Kenneth Vernon Baker (Teresa), Robert Baker, Rebecca (Tyson) Bennett, Amelia, Violet, Nora, Charles and Jack Bennett; Darwin Lee Baker (Deanne), Danielle, Monica and Zachary Baker; great-grandbaby No. 6, arriving soon.

The two loved children and it showed in their dedication to Boy Scouts of America. Alva, himself became an Eagle Scout in 1951, and both their boys and a grandson achieved the rank also. The couple served Boundary County’s Scouting program for more than 50 years, helping more than 70 young men achieve their Eagle Scout rank.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, at Trinity Lutheran Church. There will be a potluck to follow.

Bonners Ferry Funeral Home is caring for the family. To leave a message or memory for the family, please go to www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com.