Chester (Chet) Arthur Park, 66

Chester (Chet) Arthur Park, 66, of Rathdrum, passed away on Aug. 27, 2010. He was born in Hermiston, Ore., on Sept. 3, 1943, to Naomi J. Park (Neely) and Chester Roy Park.

Chet graduated from Rathdrum High School in 1961 and went on to attend college where he earned a Master of Science in Chemistry. He served in the Air Force from 1963-1971. Chet was an educator and a scientist and his career path included teaching, coaching and Forensic Chemistry. He worked as a Criminalist for the state of Washington, and a Firearm and Toolmarks Examiner for the state of Idaho. Chet was later hired by a private British company to establish firearm and toolmarks laboratories in Northern England. While there, he and Diane lived aboard a Narrowboat on the canals from 2003-2007. He then retired from his position in England and moved back to Rathdrum where he continued to consult on several existing ballistic cases.

He also volunteered at the Rathdrum library and enjoyed as much time as possible with his grandsons and other family and friends. He was a member of many professional associations including AFTE (Association of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners), ARRL (American Radio Relay League) and the CSFS (Canadian Society of Forensic Scientists). He had many hobbies, including operating his Ham Radio (call sign NO7E), hunting, meteorology, genealogy, an insatiable passion for books and most of all; he was an avid student of life.

Chet is survived by his wife, Diane; daughters, Heidi and Holly; son-in-law Shawn; grandsons, Tyler and Brenden; brothers, Dan and Doug; sisters, Kathryn and Elizabeth, and numerous cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his eldest sister, Helen.

Memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010, at Yates Funeral Home, Hayden Chapel. Please visit Chet's online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.