Perry Rich Bakes, 91

Perry Rich Bakes, “Rich,” passed away March 11, 2010, in the loving arms of his family. Rich was born on Dec. 16, 1918, on the family homestead near Blackfoot, Idaho.

He grew up in Boise, Idaho, where he met and married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Josephine Argabright. During the summers while attending school, Rich worked for the U.S. Forest Service and was instrumental in surveying Upper Priest Lake.

Rich proudly served in the Navy during World War II reaching the rank of Lt. Commander. He then graduated from the University of Idaho in 1949 with a B.S. degree in agricultural engineering. Rich’s interest in electricity was sparked when he was a young boy while building his first crystal radio set. Upon graduation, he began a 32-year career with Washington Water Power (now Avista) as a farm representative. Rich held a variety of important positions for WWP while living in Moscow, Spokane and Wallace before settling in Spokane and finishing his career in 1981 as Vice President of Consumer Relations and Information Services.

Rich and Josephine were married 58 years before her death in 1996. Rich was a member of the Spokane County Fair Board for 17 years, on the Expo 74 Board, and was awarded the Engineering Award of Distinction from the University of Idaho.

He is survived by a son, Warren, and his wife, Linda Bakes; a daughter, Joyce, and her husband, John Roskelley; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Bill, Lowell, Bob and Terry, and a sister, Bernice Felt and her husband, Jay. Rich spent his final days at the Life Care Center of Post Falls, where he received remarkable care and to whom we are extremely grateful. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to KSPS.

Viewing will be held from 10-10:45 a.m. followed by funeral service at 11 a.m. Monday, March 15, 2010, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 14111 E. 16th Ave., in Spokane Valley. Graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 16, 2010, at Pines Cemetery in Spokane Valley.

Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene, is entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Rich’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.