Richard Bert Blaisdell, Jr.
Bert Blaisdell was born to Gail and Richard “Dick” Blaisdell on Nov. 28, 1946, in Creston, Wash., as the only boy and the youngest of four children. Bert grew up on the Hauser Lake family ranch, where he learned about logging and raising cattle and horses, along with his three sisters. He attended and graduated from Lakeland High School in 1965, and later from Eastern Washington University.
Bert and Ronda Lussier married and started a family, having two boys: Corey and Aaron. Bert later married Linda Mentzer in 1981. This marriage was a package deal that included the gift of two young daughters: Erika and Heidi. The family grew over the years to have six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, extended relations, and many close friends that he welcomed into the family.
Bert spent his professional life as a Certified Public Accountant in Spokane and North Idaho, finally retiring from AC Data Systems. He enjoyed the outdoors and was a life-long hunter, fisherman and golfer. Bert and Linda made their home in Otis Orchards, Wash., which included raising horses and having a feed store. Whether it was weekends fishing at Marshall Lake or deer hunting in Kettle Falls and Davenport, Bert never was without his family.
After retirement, he spent his time traveling with Linda in their motorhome between Casa Grande, Ariz., and their property at Deer Meadows on Lake Roosevelt in Washington. Bert enjoyed being surrounded by close friends and family and sharing his warm, accepting and loving nature. He also loved sharing a cigar, drinks and a joke, coupled with his deep belly-laugh while following the hummingbirds from feeder to feeder.
Bert peacefully passed away at his Otis Orchards home on Sept. 24, 2020, surrounded by those closest to him. Bert is survived by his wife of 39 years, Linda; his three sisters: Jan Bacon (Roger), Diane Blaisdell-Holmes and Elaine Bacon (Brian); four children: Corey Blaisdell, Erika Ferry (John), Aaron Blaisdell (Janet) and Heidi Gallert; six grandchildren: Josh, Alexa, Kendra, Olyver, Bodyn and Adison; and five great-grandchildren.
A celebration of his life is planned for a future date to include his numerous friends whom he deeply adored and will be traveling. In place of flowers, please make donations to Hospice of Spokane or the American Cancer Society.
