Roy 'Bud' Franklin Bemis, 83

Roy “Bud” Franklin Bemis, 83, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away from cancer on Nov. 10, 2015, at his home. Born July 14, 1932, in Sheridan, Wyo., to Otto and Dolly (Odell) Bemis. He was the oldest brother to sisters Betty Pickerel of Newport, Wash., Vaneta Johnson of Sparks, Nev., Pat Hein of Gaston, Ore., Joy Flint of Spokane Valley, Wash., and brother Arthur “Jinx” Coster of Newport.

Bud welcomed his son, Roy “Buddy” Jr., and daughter Gwendolyn while married to Wilma Friedlander. They later divorced. In 1969, Bud married his forever love, Joanne, and became the greatest stepdad to Theresa, Kathy, Fred and Debbie.

He worked for several trucking companies over his career; Baker Truck Lines, Mercer Trucking, Staley Oil and Valcon were just a few of those before he retired in 1997. Bud had vivid memories of his logging years up the Yaak (Montana) and was always willing to share the stories with anyone he happened to meet. Along the way Bud made lifelong friendships with Bob Buck, Dave Beauchamp and Johnny Johnson. He and Joanne again “hit the road” as they full-time RV’d checking out the states and settling for a time in Yuma, Ariz.

Bud was preceded in death by his daughter, Gwen Brightwell; son Roy “Buddy” Bemis Jr.; father Otto Bemis; mother Dolly (Odell) Bemis and stepmother Rosella “Sis” Bemis. He is survived by his loving wife, Joanne Bemis; his children, Theresa Snyder (Larry), Kathy Woodland (Ed), Fred Blessing Jr. (Linda), Debbie White (Wayne) and daughter-in-law Vickie Bemis; his brother, Jinx; his sisters, Betty, Pat, Vaneta and Joy; grandchildren Duane Cook, Jonathan Bemis, Rick Woodland, Scott Cook, Chasen Bemis, Diane Kroll, Raymon Bemis, Allison Anderton and Clarissa Wilson; and 18 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. We will all miss him…a man with a wonderful sense of humor and many loving and caring ways.

In memory of Roy F. Bemis: “Be happy for me, now I’m free. Free of pain and misery. I could not stay another day to laugh, to dance, to work or play. If my parting has left you sad, fill it with remembered times. Laugh when you remember my jokes, dance when you hear my favorite songs, smile when you remember our good times. For these are the things that will always stay…good family, good friends, loved ones too. I have had it all, now it’s up to you.” — Author Unknown

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of North Idaho or the charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene Chapel, is entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Bud’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfunerahomes.com.