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Justin Lee Rice, 99

Lifelong resident of Wallace, Idaho, Justin Lee Rice, passed away on Friday, Nov. 3, 2017, at the age of 99.

Justin was born to parents Harlow and Anna Rice, July 3, 1918, above the family bakery in Wallace. A veteran of World War II, Justin served in Fort Lewis, Wash., as a baker.

Justin lived a long life, filled with success, mostly with the Coeur d’Alene Mines Corporation, where he was CEO, president and chairman over several decades until his retirement in 1992. Under Justin’s leadership, the company became the world’s largest primary silver producer, producing more than 10 million ounces of silver each year. The town of Wallace initiated the Justin L. Rice Award to honor leaders in the silver mining industry. Justin himself was its first recipient. He was extremely proud and honored to have lived a life contributing and promoting the Silver Industry.

He will be remembered as Dad, Uncle, Friend and Gramps to many. He was always ready with a story from the past. If you were going fishing he would recommend Queen of the Waters wet flies. He could solve the world’s problems over a cup of creamer with a splash of coffee. He could never turn down a freshly-baked sweet, real butter or farm fresh eggs. When asked the secret to life his answer was simple, “Live a good life.”

He is survived by the Rice, Smith, Davis and Wheeler families.

A service is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, at The United Church of Christ Congregational, in Wallace, with burial immediately following at Day’s Cemetery in Osburn. The Service will be officiated by Pastor Alice Ling. A reception will follow at The Elks Lodge. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Justin’s life.

Memorial donations may be made in the name of Justin L. Rice to the Wallace District Mining Museum, P.O. Box 469, Wallace, ID 83873. One may sign Justin’s online guestbook at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com Shoshone Funeral Services and Crematory, in Kellogg, Idaho, is entrusted with cremation arrangements.