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Arnold Duane Bakie

Arnold Duane Bakie passed away on Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, while doing what he loved best in the place he was most comfortable — the great outdoors.

He was born on Nov. 6, 1947, in Spirit Lake, Idaho, to Hubert and Bonnie Bakie. He was raised there with his five siblings. Due to certain circumstances, his love of logging began at the age of nine. With a little red wagon, a chainsaw, a jug of saw gas, and bar oil, he headed for the log deck to cut firewood. Thus began his love of logging and a lifelong career.

Arnold married Phyllis Maines in 1965. They had two children, Melissa and Pamela. Unfortunately, this marriage ended in 1969.

Arnold later married Gwen Bakie on April 12, 1972. With this marriage, he gained two step-children, Robert and Tracie, and on July 22, 1978, they had a son named Rocky Bakie.

Arnold and Gwen established Bakie Logging in 1976 and continued this business until 1999. Throughout his adult life, Arnold and his mother-in-law, Louise Voves, pursued their love of mining; with the thought that they would hit “the mother lode.” We would like to think they were pretty close.

In 1992 Arnold and Gwen purchased the Cleveland Mine, in Hunters, Wash., with partner Jerry Schlehuber, of Davenport, Wash., who became a lifelong friend.

Arnold is survived by his loving family, whom he was so proud of — his wife, Gwen Bakie; his son, Robert (Mel) Brandt; daughters, Melissa (John) Wells; Pamela (Jason) Denver and Tracie (Steve) Fus and son, Rocky Bakie. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Anthony, Preston, Phillip, Courtney, Brandon and Lexi; three great-grandchildren, Brayden, Greyson, and Addyson; two brothers; Brad Bakie of Hayden Lake, Idaho, and Vern Bakie of Klamath Falls, Ore.; and numerous friends.

Graveside services will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, at the Greenwood Cemetery in Spirit Lake, Idaho, with a reception to follow at the family home. Everyone is invited.

He taught his family to approach life with love, laughter and respect. He will be forever missed.

Yates Funeral Homes has been entrusted with the care of arrangements. Please visit Arnold’s memorial and sign his online guest book www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.