Ronald Dupey, 88

Ronald Dupey, a faithful servant and dedicated Christian, husband, father and grandfather, passed away on Aug. 1, 2016, following months of failing health and special care at various facilities.

He was born in Opportunity, Wash., on June 2, 1928. His parents were Frank Dupey of Akin, Minn., and Lillie McGuire Dupey of Kentucky. Ron was the sixth of seven children, all of whom preceded him in death. He is survived by the love of his life, Margie Allen Dupey; five children, Delores Peterson (Steve), Dan Dupey (Teri), Marilyn Newell (Lyle), Marleen Bennett (David) and Phil Dupey (Debra); 12 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.

Ron was a strong supporter of being active in his faith. He visited homes, set up Bible studies, taught Bible classes, attended camps, led congregational singing and became a leader in Churches of Christ in Colville, Wash., Kalispell, Mont., and Dalton Gardens, Idaho.

Ron married early in life. He met Margie Allen, a young beauty from Millwood, Wash. They were married after two years of courtship on Feb. 29, 1948. They moved to Colville, Wash., in 1950. Ron became a local logger to help feed his family. He partnered with his brothers, Cecil and Milo to purchase 180 acres of land east of Colville. He eventually became a driver for a local dairy company. He and Margie moved to Kalispell in 1985 where he retired in 1995, they then moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Ron was known for his Bible knowledge and the intimate details and beauty of nature. With no formal training, Ron built three homes, the first when he was just 28 years old. He and Margie opened a hobby store. Then he became the owner of a cabinet making business in Colville.

Ron loved to play harmonica and guitar, and hunt and fish. His grandchildren remember him best for telling entertaining stories and singing fun songs. He began his spiritual walk by starting the first Church of Christ in Colville at the Draper Memorial Building.

Ron’s final resting place will be Mountain View Cemetery in Athol, Idaho. The family would ask that in lieu of flowers and gifts that contributions can be made to Coeur d’Alene Christian School, 6439 N. Fourth St., Dalton Gardens, ID 83815.

Visit Ron’s online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.