Paul Gilbert Harner, 76

Paul Gilbert Harner, 76, of Peoria, Ariz., went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 8, 2011, following a long battle of numerous health issues.

Paul was born Oct. 10, 1934, in Santa Barbara, Calif., to Atwell H. Harner and Mildred M. (Helm) Harner. Paul grew up and attended his school years in Pasadena, Calif., eventually moving to Southern California. Paul worked in the restaurant industry, sales and then owned and operated A & L Firewood and Landclearing and Fountain Valley Firewood until 1980 at which time he relocated to Rathdrum and continued to operate Paul's Heavy Equipment until illness forced his retirement in 2004.

Paul's contributions to his community were numerous serving as Captain of Station No. 2 fire department in Rathdrum and readily assisting others in need. Paul enjoyed and loved his work. He was respected for his honesty, integrity and dedication to the job but his greatest passion was his family and always looked forward to vacations of motor-homing, camping, boating, fishing, snowmobiling and projects that brought his family closer. He found great pleasure in working on his ranch and with his animals.

Paul and his wife were also foster parents for more than 20 years while residing in Rathdrum. In September 2010, Paul and his wife finally realized their long awaited dream of moving to warmer weather and relocated to Peoria.

Paul is survived by his wife, best friend and soulmate of 34 years, JoAnne M. Harner of Peoria; children, Terri L. Harner of Laguna Niguel, Calif., Carrie F. Bennett (Mike) of Madera, Calif., Tami L. Scott (Mike) of Rathdrum, Paul R. Harner of San Diego, Calif., Gerrit J. Harner of Rathdrum, Joel J. Harner (Kaley) of Spokane, Wash., Sarah K. Trone (Steven) of Peoria, Judi C. Caceres of Coeur d'Alene, Jinnipher L. Moore (Patrick) of Cedar Park, Texas, Sherri L. Lister (Travis) of Rathdrum, Nira E. Williams of Peoria, Snow R. Harner of Peoria, Roland M. Williams of Spokane, Wash., DeVonna J. Williams of Coeur d'Alene; nephews Ed Burg III (Joy) and children of Culpepper, Va., and Danny Pomerinke (Jennifer) and children of Spokane; numerous other nieces and nephews; a sister Lynn Ming (Tom) of Portland, Ore.; along with 22 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and numerous foster children and foster grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father.

A celebration of his life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 12, 2011, at our home in Arizona located at 7808 W. Molly Drive, Peoria.

Paul Harner was an amazing husband, father, brother, uncle and friend to all who knew him and he will be forever in our hearts.