Sandford 'Blake' Walker, 73

The fish and elk all breathed a sigh of relief on July 20, 2016, as S. Blake Walker reeled in his line on this mortal life. Blake was a tremendous outdoorsman who nearly always caught his limit, got his bull or fell his tree. Blake was born to S. Donald Walker and Ruth Elizabeth Spencer in Wallace, Idaho, and lived in many places across the Silver Valley and Inland Northwest.

He graduated high school in Lakeview, Ore., then moved to Emmett, Idaho, where he met the love of his life, Janet Draper. They married on Sept. 9, 1967. They settled in the Coeur d’Alene area where Blake learned his trade as an electrician from his uncle Melvin. He worked for Louisiana Pacific for 20 years and went on to teach at Renton Technical College after his retirement.

Blake lived his life enjoying the beauty of the Northwest and serving his community through his passion. He would often spend the summer collecting firewood to ensure that his family and those in need would be warm through the winter. He always had a package of fish or huckleberries to share and he worked many late nights helping others with electrical problems or chopping wood. He loved to play jokes and tell stories, go for rides in the mountains and play cribbage with his brother. He was a loyal friend and a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. He will be dearly missed on Earth and joyfully received in Heaven.

He is survived by his daughters, Valoree Hamilton, Tracy (Chris) Barrett and Sonya (Thor) Prindle; his brothers, Grant, Daryl, Wayne, Scott and Jeff; his grandchildren, Bradlee, Shelby, Jeffery, Chelsea, Cody, Brett, Bridger, Kate, Walker, Atlas and Freya; and nine great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his loving parents and dear wife and eternal companion, Janet.

A viewing will be held from 1-1:45 p.m. Saturday, July 23, 2016, with funeral services to follow at 2 p.m. at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1824 E. 16th Ave., Post Falls, Idaho.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice House of North Idaho. 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835. Please share your thoughts and memories of Blake in his online memorial at www.belltowerfuneralhome.com.