Jesse Brown, 97

Jesse L. Brown passed away Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014, at Hospice House in Hayden, Idaho.

Fondly known as "Papa," Jesse was employed as the lamp repairman - "he can fix anything" - at the family business, Idaho Lights, until his retirement at age 95. Beloved by family and customers, he was always willing to tell stories and share his photo book.

Born in Goshen, Ore., on March 4, 1917, Jesse became interested in photography while in high school, an interest he would pursue all of his life. He met his future wife in North Carolina while serving as a Captain in the Army. He raised his family in Portland, Ore., and moved to Edmonds, Wash., in 1963 when he sold his electronics company.

Ending that career in 1967, Jesse and wife Eleanor began a wedding photography business. When Eleanor became too ill to work he started a new phase - landscapes. One of his first projects was a calendar of beautiful nature scenes each coupled with a Bible verse that he carefully chose.

Jesse moved to Coeur d'Alene shortly after the death of Eleanor to live close to his youngest daughter, Dianne. His passion was weekend trips on roads not previously traveled in search of stunning scenery ripe for the taking. A highlight of his life in Idaho was being the featured artist at a photography event at the Jacklin Arts and Culture Center in 2006. He hung up his hiking shoes in his early 90s.

Jesse was preceded in death by wife, Eleanor, and daughter Sheila Williams. He is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Dianne and Gene Ansbaugh; granddaughter and husband Kim and Steve Whitlock; grandson and wife Bryce and Julie Williams; great-grandchildren Kyra and Gage; son-in-law Glenn Williams; and other extended family, granddaughter Nicole Ansbaugh; great-granddaughter Alex Evans; and Jeff and Shannon Ansbaugh.

Clarice Braun was a joyful companion during the last four years. Jesse enjoyed daily drives to her home for a good meal and conversation. They were a charming couple. When she recently moved to Bestland Senior Independent Living, he soon followed. Their cellphones stayed busy with daily "Hi Sweetheart" calls, and reminders when it was time to go to the dining room. Jesse's life was cut short by a fall causing broken ribs so The Lord called him home. The family is grateful to Hospice House in Hayden for the comfort and care he received, and to Bestland for the friendship and wonderful independence they provided during the short time he lived there.

A celebration of Jesse's life will be an open house for friends, family and customers who would love to share stories and remember the good times from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4, at Idaho Lights, 6055 N. Sunshine St., Coeur d'Alene.

Special thanks to Yates Funeral Home for handling his final arrangements. Please visit Jesse's online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.