William Edgar McKee III, 89

November 1920 - Oct. 2, 2010

William (Bill) McKee, 89, passed away after an eight-year struggle with Parkinson's disease.

He was the beloved husband of 68 years of Margaret (Peg) McKee and father of Madelyn Jameson (John), Thomas McKee, Anne Taliercio (Henry), Mary Andert (Richard), Fr. Gerard McKee and John McKee (Sophie). He also had six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A 37-year-resident of Coeur d'Alene, he loved being in nature and had numerous diverse interests including hiking, running, cross country skiing, century bike rides, sailing on Lake Coeur d'Alene, photography, gardening and Ham radio operation. He enjoyed learning new things like Morse code and computers and was always generous with his knowledge.

Bill earned a Bachelor of Science degree from UCLA and a Master of Science from USC in chemistry. He was a researcher in the aerospace industry in Southern California for 33 years and the mineral and mining industry in Washington state. He held numerous patents on aerospace inventions.

Kim and Dirk Van Der Kolk at the Bella Angel Residential Care lovingly cared for him during his final two years.

He was loved and admired by all who knew him and his wit and intelligence will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his son, Thomas and great-granddaughter Jadalyn Sidener.

A rosary will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 11, 2010, at the English Funeral Chapel, 1133 N. Fourth St., Coeur d'Alene. The funeral Mass and burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2010, at Mt. St. Michael's Church, 8500 Mt. St. Michael's Road, Spokane.