Philip Louis Weidner, 92
March 20, 1918 - Dec. 14, 2010
Phil Weidner of Sun-up Bay on Lake Coeur d'Alene passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2010, in Spokane, Wash. In 1918 Phil was born to Philip and Catherine Weidner in Great Falls, Mont.
As a young child, Phil moved to Spokane with his family. Phil enjoyed his childhood in Lincoln Heights, often sharing stories of carrying newspapers and riding the street cars. Phil attended Adams Grade School and graduated from Lewis and Clark High School more enthusiastic about playing the trumpet than his academic pursuits. Phil played the trumpet in various dance bands and enjoyed big band music throughout his entire life.
Phil married high school sweetheart, Ruth Rankin, when he was 22 years old. Trained by his father as a builder from a young age, the first of many houses Phil built was for his young bride. Phil continued a career as a builder working on many service stations and houses in the Spokane area. In 1942 Phil and Ruth welcomed their first child, Jay. Shortly after Jay was born Phil and Ruth moved to Rockford, Wash., to farm and later design and build several homes in the Rockford and Mt. Hope area. Phil and Ruth welcomed their second child, Barb in 1950.
In 1963 Phil began the new venture of building and designing Aqua Villa houseboats. Although difficult to sell, the Aqua Villas lead Phil to lease and later purchase property at Sun-up Bay in order to rent out the boats. After many years of difficult work, Phil was the proud owner of Sun-up Bay Resort marina and trailer park. Phil lived at Sun-up Bay for the rest of his life often marveling at how many families and friends enjoyed the lifestyle Sun-up Bay provided.
A charter member of the Rockford Lion's Club, Phil was active in the community of Rockford. In the past year he was the recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellow award for his many years of service.
Phil was generous and affectionate with his family, especially his grandchildren. A devoted "Papa" and "G-Pop," Phil always had pictures of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren close at hand. He shared his love of music and Lawrence Welk with anyone who would listen and watch with him.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Kate; his siblings, Norma Mahn, Gene and John. In 2001 his wife of 60 years, Ruth, passed away. Two weeks prior to his death, his son Jay also passed away.
He leaves many who love and miss him, including his daughter, Barb (Mike) Windisch; daughter-in-law Judy Weidner; grandchildren Jim (Sarah) Windisch, Denise (Eric) Kulm, Katie (Dan) Kirkbride; and great-grandchildren Lili Kulm, Lydia Kirkbride and Louis Windisch.
A celebration of his life and his son Jay's will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to KSPS, 3911 South Regal, Spokane, WA 99223. Yates Funeral Homes has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.