Maurice Gene Guttromson, 73
The Moose has Passed
Moose Guttromson, 73, of Dalton Gardens, died Aug. 27, 2013. Moose, son of Ralph and Wilma Guttromson, was born on July 8, 1940, in Maddock, N.D., and spent his formative years working on the family farm near Esmond, N.D.
He is survived by his loving wife, Roberta; three sons, Rodney, Gene (Nellie) and Stanley (Jenny); brothers, Bill (Paula) and Jim (Charlene); and his sister, Beverly (Terry).
Moose moved to the Pacific Northwest in 1956 and is a graduate of John Rogers High School in Spokane. After serving honorably in the U.S. Navy, of which he was very proud, he settled in Republic, Wash., and worked as a lumberjack and in the mines. It was there he met the love of his live, Roberta Nelson, raised his family and established numerous lifelong friendships.
Moose moved his family to Dalton Gardens in 1977 as he began a 24-year career to ensure the safety and well-fare of fellow miners as a Mine Safety and Health Inspector. During these years he also established numerous lasting friendships with miners, mine owners and fellow inspectors. It was with great sadness by many when he retired in 2000 to relax on his “farm” (2 acres), raise a few cattle and tend his locally renowned garden. No one ever came to visit Moose in the summer that didn’t leave with a load of fresh vegetables. Moose was a proud and active member of the American Legion and Elks.
Moose had a passion for his garden, his tractors, his wife, his boys and his grandchildren. Moose is also survived by five grandchildren, Megan, Mauritz, Genelle, Tristan and Trevor.
He was a hard man that had no time to mince words; if you wanted to know what he thought, he told you exactly. But underneath a tough exterior lay a heart of gold. As family and friends mourn his passing and celebrate his life, we are continually exposed to new tales of his good deeds for others. Moose’s life was one filled with service to others. His legacy is that we that survive him will carry on with his efforts.
Although Moose was taken by cancer, he will be remembered for being a pillar of a man that had an amazing impact on so many lives. To know Moose wasn’t always to love Moose, but no one could ever forget Moose. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. today, Aug, 30, 2013, at Yates Funeral Home, 744 North Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to your local Hospice in Moose’s name. Please visit Moose’s memorial and sign his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.