Wesley Spencer White, 81

Wesley Spencer White, 81, of Hayden Lake, Idaho, passed away peacefully on Friday, Oct. 21, 2016, at Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Wesley was born on April 20, 1935, in Denver, Colo., to Wesley T. and Maude White.

Wesley traveled with his parents to different locations in the Northwest for his father’s work in the mines, lumber mills, dams and shipyards. They lived in Snowmass and Leadville, Colo., Butte, Mont., Park City, Utah, Grass Valley, Calif., Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Portland, Ore. Wesley had his first job at the age of 8 selling blocks of ice for five cents to families who worked in the Portland shipyards during World War II. At the age of 10 the family moved to Burns, Ore., and from there to Pinehurst, Idaho.

Wes graduated from Kingston High School in Kingston, Idaho, in 1953. He then enrolled at DeVry Technical Institute in Chicago, Ill., to study electronics. After completing his education Wes returned home, then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served his country for four years. While in the Air Force he would often fly over his hometown of Pinehurst. Several days later his family would receive a letter in the mail stating he had just flown over for a visit.

After completing his military service, Wesley returned to his hometown once again. Only this time he happened to meet, fall in love and marry a beautiful young lady by the name of Helen Searle. Over the years Wesley was often heard saying, “I just happened to meet this young lady who worked at a restaurant called the Miner’s Hat and thought it just might be a good idea to stop by and get something to eat. I was lucky that day.”

Wes and Helen raised five children: Brad (Jana) White, Tim (Lisa) White, David (Michelle) White, Shelly (Phil) Boyd and Stephanie White. He has five grandchildren: Emily, Hannah, Kayley, Aleesha and Luke; and one great-grandson, Rykar. His two sisters are Verna (Jack) Durick and Ruth Jamison; his three nieces, Tammi Flores, Kristen Jamison and Colleen Nims; and one nephew, Craig Durick.

Wes and Helen raised their children in Pinehurst and Coeur d’Alene. There was always something fun and interesting going on in their home. They loved camping, fishing and hunting. In later years, Wes liked to go fishing, trying his luck at the casinos, visiting with family and friends, and taking his dog “Jack” for a walk. He also enjoyed playing cards and doing puzzles. When he was at home there truly was nothing better than watching a good western movie; “Watch, this guy is about to get it” was a common phrase often heard at Wes’ home.

Wes worked as an electrician at Bunker Hill Mine and Potlatch Lumber Mill until he retired in 1995. After retiring, his significant other became Barbara Saunders. Her family became his family as well; Bambi and Jay, Jamie and Kenny and their family, Robbie and Sarah and the two little girls were all a big part of his life.

Wes learned to live his life in a kind, caring and compassionate manner. He was a gracious and sweet man who touched and changed the lives of everyone around him. He was loved and will be missed by all. A life well lived!

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016, at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene Chapel, 744 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, with a reception following. Please visit Wes’ online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.