Martine C. Miller, 90

Martine C. Miller, 90, of Coeur d'Alene, passed May 27, 2011, at LaCrosse Health and Rehab. Born June 2, 1920, to Chris and Effie Miller on Haycraft Avenue in Coeur d'Alene.

He was one of eight children. Preceding him in death are his parents, three brothers, Earl, Oliver and William Miller; two sisters, Evelyn (Miller) Emeheiser and Mae (Miller) Clark-Adams.

Surviving him are sister June (Miller) Potter of Myrtle Creek, Ore., and brother Emery "Jim" Miller of Puyallup, Wash., and numerous nieces and nephews.

Martine "Bink" attended Coeur d'Alene schools where he excelled in all sports, especially track, taking the Idaho State Pennant in 1939 for throwing the javelin. He graduated May 27, 1941.

He worked at the Naval Training station, Farragut, until he entered the Army Air Force, and was honorably discharged on Jan. 21, 1944, in Orlando, Fla., returning home to farm. He then went to Alaska where he worked railroad construction. Other jobs included Forest Service in Idaho and Montana, also various work in the orchards of Wenatchee. He took great pride in building pole gates, and enjoyed woodworking, gardening, planting fruit trees, cats, checkers and a good horse race, preferably at Play Fair!

Locally, Martine would be best remembered as the "man on the bicycle." Living most of his life on Haycraft he had his route he covered for more than 60 years, which included down the lake, through the park and up Fourth Street. He often enjoyed his evening meals at Chinese Gardens, Canton or Denny's. Special thanks for the kind service always given to him. Also, to Shulls Bicycle Shop whom he dealt with over many years, even once giving him a bike after his had been stolen.

Raised a Christian, Martine is "home" at last! In loving memory, his family memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 5, 2011, at graveside in Forest Cemetery for all wishing to attend.