Nyal A. Avery, 94

Nyal A. Avery, age 94, passed away at Ivy Court in Coeur d'Alene, on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010.

Nyal was born in Regent, N.D., on July 14, 1916, to Arthur S. and Hannah (Nelson) Avery. He was raised in Eagle Butte, S.D. As a teenager he rode on one of the last big horse round-ups. In the 1930s he and his family moved to Leavenworth, Wash. Then in the late 1930s he went to Alaska. After returning to Leavenworth he was drafted and served during WWII, walking across Europe and serving under General Patton. He was wounded in action, receiving a Purple Heart and was honorably discharged.

He married Marian Bushar in Spokane and had a son Nyal John in 1951. They later divorced, and he married Mary E. Mitchell in 1956, in Priest River.

He worked as a cowboy/rancher, a logger for 30 years, and a carpenter. He enjoyed wood working, leatherworking, riding horses and spending time with his family.

Nyal is survived by his son Nyal J. Avery, of Leavenworth; daughter Pam England Unruh, of Post Falls; sisters Harriet Parsley and Evie VandeGraft; granddaughter Crystal Lea Streeter Grey; and four great-grandchildren: Elizabeth Mary, Casey Nyal, Christopher Martin and Ellis Pamela Lea.

He is preceded in death by his second wife Mary and 13 siblings.

A military graveside service was held Thursday, Sept. 16, 2010, at Coeur d'Alene Memorial Gardens, 7315 N. Government Way, Coeur d'Alene, 83815, followed by a commemorative gathering at Real Life Ministries, in Post Falls at 1866 N. Cecil Road. English Funeral Chapel, Coeur d'Alene, is in charge of the arrangements.

Please sign Nyal's guest registry and view online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.