Albert C. Pistorius, 92

Albert C. Pistorius, 92

Albert C. Pistorius, 92, passed away peacefully at his Hayden Lake home on Nov. 13, 2020. He was born on the Rathdrum Prairie, July 1, 1928, to Chester and Sylvia Pistorius. Albert loved growing up with his siblings on the Rathdrum Prairie farm.

While a student at Rathdrum High School, he acquired the nickname "Bizz" by his pals and is still used by many others today. After graduating, he worked for General Telephone Company and, three years later, joined the Army's Counter Intelligence Agency (CIA). Following his two-year military career, he returned to General Telephone and moved from bookkeeper to installer to equipment engineer.

In 1963 he was offered the position of traffic and equipment engineer of the Anchorage Telephone Utility (ATU). In 1968 Albert was promoted to assistant manager and then later general manager. During his tenure at ATU, he not only placed the stamp of leadership on the company, but exerted considerable influence in the telephone industry as a whole. As a former board member of the Alaska Telephone Association, he became its president in 1981 and remained an honorary member.

After 21 years in Alaska, Albert decided to retire and he and his wife, Jeannie, returned to North Idaho. Anyone looking for him could find him tinkering on his favorite pastime: antique cars and trucks.

Albert was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Viola Thompson; and his wife, Jeannie. He is survived by his sister, Ethel Freligh; step-son, Bill Kopriva; step-daughter, Sandy Jordan; several grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws.

Albert deeply loved all of his family and friends.

A memorial is planned in the spring. Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Albert’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.