Robert Halfhide, 88

Robert Halfhide, of Dalton Gardens, a longtime area horseman and decorated veteran of World War II, died of natural causes March 20, 2011, at Loyalton of Coeur d'Alene. He was 88.

"Bob," as he was more commonly called by his friends and family, spent many years raising Appaloosa mules, horses and quarter horses. He was active in the horse-racing industry in North Idaho, California and Nevada. He was a charter member and first director of the Appaloosa Horse Club and North Idaho Saddle Mule Club. He was past president of the North Idaho Pony of America Club and an official in the American Mule Racing Association. He also was an avid hunter and fisherman.

He was a life member of the VA Disabled American Veterans; a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars No. 889 since 1945; a member of the Eagles Lodge No. 486; and a member of Masonic Lodge Kootenai No. 24 for more than 50 years.

He was born June 3, 1922, in Dickinson, N.D., graduated from high school in 1940 and entered the Air Force in 1943. In almost two years of service, he earned numerous medals and recognitions, including the Purple Heart; Legion of Merit; Air Medal Distinguished Flying Cross; America Defense and four Bronze Stars. Among his assignments, he served in the Army Air Corps in Italy, 15th Air Force. He was discharged honorably from the service in 1945 and retired from government Civil Service in 1968.

Survivors include his wife, Veta, whom he married on Dec. 6, 1999; two stepdaughters and a stepson.

At his request, there were no services.