Bruce E. Colwell, 89
Bruce E. Colwell, 89, passed away at Kootenai Health in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on April 27, 2014.
Bruce was born in Wallace, Idaho, on December 4, 1924, to William and Gladys (Thomas) Colwell. He went to school in Hope, Idaho, and served in the Army in the Philippine Islands in World War II. Bruce was honorably discharged in 1946 as a Platoon Sergeant.
On August 29, 1950, Bruce married Marjorie Coulthard in Sandpoint, Idaho. He also graduated from the University of Idaho in 1950, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry. Bruce was employed in the Forest Products Industry until his retirement in 1984 as Corporate Group Vice President of Diamond International Corporation. He was actively involved with many industry associations, as well as the University of Idaho Foundation, and the College of Natural Resources. In 1992, Bruce established the Colwell Family Scholarship Fund.
Bruce was elected to the Idaho Alumni Hall of Fame in 1975, and received an honorary degree as Doctor of Natural Resources from the University of Idaho in 1984.He served on the Coeur d’Alene School District Board of Trustees from 1971-1973, chaired the Blue Cross of Idaho Board of Directors in 1991, served on the Board of Trustees of Kootenai Medical Center from 1987-2000, was a long time member of the Community United Methodist Church, and was a proud member of Rotary Club of Coeur d’Alene.
Bruce is survived by his loving wife, Marjorie, and children: Judy (Dale) Bennett, Mary (Phil) Hayes, Janie (Dave) Sande, Rod (Debbie) Colwell, and Tom (Robin) Colwell, as well as grandchildren: Andrew, Marni, Ben, Eric, Kristin, Kelli, Erin, Megan, Chandi, Rachel, Caitlin, and Mathew; 15 great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.
Memorials may be made in Bruce's memory to your charity of choice. Visitation will be from 4–7 p.m., Thursday, May 1, at the English Funeral Chapel, 1133 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The funeral service will be at 1 p.m., Friday, May 2, at English Funeral Chapel in Coeur d’Alene. Burial will be at the Riverview Cemetery in Coeur d'Alene. There will be a reception prior to the graveside service. Please sign Bruce’s guest registry and view his online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com