Harvey Bruce Vinson Jr., 60
Bruce passed away at his home in Post Falls on April 6, 2013. Bruce was born at Oakland Navy Hospital on Aug. 26, 1952, to Harvey B. Vinson Sr. and Joan D. Vinson.
His childhood and as a young adult he enjoyed having the life as a military dependent. The family lived in many states, had a two-year stint in Guam where they enjoyed motorcycle riding, touring the Island and shelling. Many days were spent snorkeling and visiting with the natives of Guam. The family was later stationed at Fairchild A.F.B. where they fell in love with the mountains of Idaho.
Bruce graduated from Cheney High School in 1971. In 1973 the family relocated to Post Falls. He was hired on at D’armins Sawmill in 1975 where he worked until the mill sold in 2008 for a total of 33 years. He was an avid outdoorsman and spent many days in the mountains he loved. All the while teaching his children as his parents taught him, all about being in the wilderness and cherishing it.
He was an Elite Hunter and his life was centered on Elk hunting with his bow and bringing home meat to feed his family. Among his many enjoyments were deer hunting and scouting his hunting areas. Fishing, hiking, cross-country skiing, moto-cross riding and racing all of which he prided himself doing with perfection. But he was happiest with bow in hand waiting for the Big Bulls and could sit for so long that there were times he had birds land on his head. To eat dinner with Bruce, was usually with him cooking elk steaks, or chicken or blackened halibut on an open fire.
Bruce is survived by his wife, Janis Vinson; his parents, Harvey and Jo Vinson; his siblings, Christine Tolotti (Ken Tolotti), Kristi Martin and Evonne Hadfield (Brent Hadfield); his son, Adam Vinson and daughter Jen Tiemann (Ryan Tiemann) and grandchildren Evan and Ivy; his step-children, Jake Hartley (Maria Hartley) and grandchildren, Mitchell, Micah and Makea Hartley, Jennifer Campbell (Jerry Campbell) and grandchildren, Lily and Hank Campbell; And of course his beloved wild kitten, Tatonka.
Bruce will be sorely missed by all. May you rest in peace brother and always continue to search over the next mountain.
A memorial will be held in mid-August for family and close friends in the wilderness of the St. Joe.