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Arthur L. Hunter

Arthur L. Hunter, born on June 25, 1929, in Spokane, Wash., died Nov. 24, 2018, in Post Falls, Idaho. He proudly served in the Navy on the USS Lexington, followed by a career as a truck driver for URM. Between the Navy and URM, Art tried his hand at flower delivery, postal work and pig farming. Well, after his first retirement, Art worked at the Coeur d'Alene Resort and Casino, where he had the distinction of being their oldest employee — retiring again at age 84. Art loved winters when he could snowmobile with friends and looked forward to summers motoring around the lake in his boat. Art was an active member of the Belgrove Grange and a proud volunteer with the Worley Fire Department.

Art's formative years were difficult but he maintained contact with his siblings, with whom he shared family reunions later in life. He married Ann (Omeron) in 1977 and “inherited” her family. Ann and Art lived at Rockford Bay, where they shared memorable times with friends and neighbors. Everyone remembers Art as the first to respond in time of need — generously giving time, money or possessions. Many friends and neighbors were instrumental in helping Arthur stay at the lake house as long as he did because of their kindness and love for Art (special thanks to the Helbigs, the Schmidts, the Andersons, the Ahrendts, Kathy McNelis and Maria Larsen).

Art's “Miracle House” at Rockford Bay was his heaven. When it was time for him to downsize, home became The Lodge at Riverside Harbor in Post Falls, where the caring staff enjoyed his curmudgeonly ways. Although Art was often a little short on etiquette, he had a heart of gold and loved his family, friends and caregivers.

Art was preceded in death by his wife, Ann T. Hunter, and his step-grandson, Robert Bjorklund. He is survived by his four step-children, Christina Olson of Boise, Idaho; Kati Eckenrode of Gig Harbor, Wash.; Gueneth Johnson of Boise and Jeffrey Omeron of Bremerton, Wash. He is also survived by his step-grandchildren, Rudy Nunez of Chicago, Ill., Bryan Johnson of Boise and Jennifer Guillen of Boise; and his step-great-grandchild, Robert Guillen of Boise. Several step and half-siblings also survive him.

A “farewell party” is tentatively planned for Aug. 10, 2019, at Rockford Bay. Any remembrances or donations in Arthur's name may be sent to the Belgrove Grange, 15430 S. Potter Road, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814 or the Worley Fire Protection District, 31541 S. Highway 95, Worley, ID 83876.