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Harold Loyd ‘Pete’ Arbaugh, 93

Harold Loyd “Pete” Arbaugh, 93, passed away peacefully at Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene, on Saturday, July 13, 2019. He was born on Easter Sunday, April 4, 1926, to Walter and Sarah (Farmer) Arbaugh, in Plumlee, Ark. He was the youngest of nine siblings, and he literally did walk three miles, up a hill, to school.

Pete met and married Olgi Johnson on Dec. 21, 1945, in Jasper, Ark. He joined the Army to serve his country in World War II and fought in Germany and France. Olgi and Pete lived in Arkansas and Missouri and ultimately moved to Idaho. When they first moved to Idaho, they lived in a tent near Banks, with their toddler son, Larry, and Pete cut timber for work. Jerome, Idaho is where they made their long-time home; they lived there for more than 25 years and raised their two children.

In 1969, they moved to Hailey, Idaho for several years, where Pete worked in residential construction and built some phenomenal homes. He also built homes for his family in his spare time. In the 1980s, they moved back to Jasper to take care of Olgi’s dad until he passed away. Then they moved back to Jerome, then to Post Falls, then back to Jerome, then to Hayden, and then spent a short time in Montana, where Olgi passed away. Pete always said, “home is where you hang your hat,” and he made a home filled with love, wherever he happened to be.

Pete was one of the kindest, most loving and generous husbands, fathers and friends. He and Olgi had two children and “adopted” many kids of all ages. A few called him Harold, a few called him Loyd, but he was “Daddy Pete” to many. He and his family shared their home with two exchange students, both from Germany, Annette in 1972 and Angela in 1973.

He was a hard-working man who always made time for his family and his church. He was a member of the Old Time Fiddlers in Hailey and Jerome for many years. They played at many of the nursing homes where they gave joy to many and even played at some senior dances. He always loved playing those old country classics and country gospel music.

After Olgi died in 2014, Pete was lucky enough to find love again. On Sept. 28, 2014, he married Vonda Beck (Jones). They made their home in Hayden, where he was welcomed with open arms by Vonda’s family and her cat, Missy, who adopted him right away. He still played his guitar and Vonda loved when he sang to her.

Pete is preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 68 years, Olgi and nine siblings. He is survived by his wife of nearly five years, Vonda Beck Arbaugh; his children, Larry (and wife, Ilene) Arbaugh of Ronan, Mont. and Melanie Arbaugh of Coeur d’Alene.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 27, 2019, at the Calvary Chapel Lighthouse in Hayden, with Pastor Ken Smith officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that you donate.

English Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please sign his online memorial at www.englishfuneralcahpel.com.