Patrick Edward Conery, 60

Patrick Edward Conery, 60, passed away at his home with his family at his side on Jan. 20, 2011. He had bravely battled cancer for more than a year and a half. Pat was born in Detroit, Mich., to parents Edward James and Bonnie Faye (Wolfe) Conery on June 27, 1950.

The family moved to Oakesdale, Wash., in the fall of 1950 to be nearer Bonnie's family. They also lived in Tekoa, Wash., before moving to Huetter in 1956. The family moved from Huetter to Davidson Street in Coeur d'Alene in 1960. Pat attended grade school, junior high and high school in Coeur d'Alene, graduating in 1968. Pat married Donna Lee Smith from the Cusick and Spokane, Wash., area on Nov. 7, 1969. They raised their family of three boys and lived in Coeur d'Alene from the time of their marriage until 1977 when they moved to their present home in Hayden. Pat's No. 1 priority over the years was spending time with and taking care of his family. The family always did everything together. Pat understood the value of family and was known to gather all the extended family together for holidays and occasions of all kinds. Family meal times were important to Pat and so quality family time was regularly spent sharing good food and conversation (sometimes even in the shop late at night). Meals were always shared together and "groceries" were important!

As a little boy Pat dreamed about driving trucks and hauling logs. He rode with his cousin Bill Willoughby in a "B" model Mack every chance he got during summer breaks. During his teenage years he worked for Bill Lowry washing, greasing and repairing log trucks. Occasionally he even had the "opportunity" to skip school and drive log truck for Mr. Lowry. His dream became reality after high school graduation when he was able to purchase his own log truck and begin his 42-plus-year career of being an owner/operator. He valued hard work and honesty and was ready to go to work no matter when or what the job required and regardless of the hours needed to complete the job. Over his career he drove log truck, dump truck, pulled belly dumps, chip vans, grain trailers and lowboys. Due to his dependability, integrity and work ethic he was able to establish lifelong contacts and friendships that allowed him to work in Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. He also worked for various construction companies and local highway districts hauling asphalt and gravel. Some of the closest relationships Pat and Donna developed were with people Pat met and worked with over the years.

Pat was a man of few words who lead by example. A person always knew what Pat was thinking as he was never shy about expressing his opinion. Sometimes he didn't even have to say a word as his expressions and look on his face spoke volumes. The family called this the "Pat look." His quotes (and he had many) were sure to bring a smile to your face or bring you back to reality. He would refer to these quotes as "just stating the facts." Quality family time was spent in the shop making sure his log truck and other equipment was ready for the next day or the next job. There were many life lessons taught and learned in the shop. Lots of questions were asked and answered by Pat in that shop. Work ethics and integrity were passed along to his sons as they worked side-by-side. He exercised extreme patience and rarely displayed anger or lost control during difficult situations and times of stress. This was a wonderful attribute of his gentle nature and general demeanor.

Pat enjoyed having fun too. In his younger years he enjoyed boating, snowmobiling and camping. He once water skied from Independence Point in Coeur d'Alene to St. Maries without getting wet. He also liked spending time with friends, sipping cocktails, smoking cigars and listening to country-western music. He was a longtime member of the Hayden Eagles Lodge. Pat was always generous. His generosity often extended to total strangers in need, even in those times when he had little or nothing to give. His family though, never had to sacrifice as they always had what they needed when they needed it.

Pat is survived by Donna, his wife of 41-plus years; his three sons and daughters-in-law, Todd and Betsy, Jamie and Kelly, and Joey; six grandchildren, Grant, Katelyn, Carson, Shawna, Patrick and Abigail; his sister and brother-in-law, Kathleen and Tom Arrison; niece and nephew, Becky and Ben Arrison; cousins Bill and Bonnie Willoughby in Coeur d'Alene, Leon Wolfe, the Wolfe family and numerous cousins in the Tekoa, Oakesdale and Farmington, Wash., area; best friend and "Mayor of Whiskeytown" Ed and Noreen Howard, as well as many close friends all over the west. He is also survived by his uncle, Michael (Mickey) Conery in Trenton, Mich.

He was preceded in death by both parents.

The family would like to thank all the family and friends who helped with Pat's benefit in August 2009 as well as Hospice of North Idaho for the care provided during Pat's final days. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Hospice nurses for their gentle and kind treatment of our husband, father and grandfather as his dignity and well being was never compromisedAny donations may be sent to Hospice of North Idaho in Patrick Conery's name.

A celebration of life will be arranged later this spring to honor Pat and bring all those who loved him together for another quality family and friend gathering.

Viewing will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011, at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene Chapel. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 28, 2011, also at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene Chapel. Burial will be at the Goldenrod Cemetery in Tekoa. Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene Chapel, is entrusted with the care of final arrangements.

Please visit Pat's online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.