Lawrence "Larry" W. Powell, Jr.

Lawrence "Larry" W. Powell, Jr., 68, passed away after an extended illness with his family by his side.

Larry was born Jan. 22, 1947, in Spokane, Wash. to Lawrence W. Powell, Sr. and Esther L. Powell. Larry moved with his family four different times between Spokane and Whitefish due to his father's job. They would remain in Whitefish until Larry graduated from high school in 1966. He attended Spokane Community College graduating in 1969 with a degree in mechanical/electrical drafting and design.

During his youth, Larry was active in Boy Scouts, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout with Three Palms. He was also active in DeMolay, achieving the degree of Chevalier and representative of DeMolay.

Larry held the position of Chairman of the public employees credit union supervisory committee for the last eight years; active in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (1970s) on Lake Pend Oreille; served as Chairman of the Boy Scouts Eagle review for the old Panhandle Boy Scouts of America before transferring to Wisconsin; and a member of Sons of the American Legion (Squadron #149 as Adjutant), transferred to Squadron # 14 and became the Commander. Larry also held both Adjutant and Commander offices for Sons of The American Legion Detachment of Idaho.

Larry started his working summer career May 1965 through Sept. 1968 with the U.S. Forest service in recreation construction and fire. After graduating from college, Larry went to work March 1969 with Clare-Pendar in Post Falls for approximately two years. He remained there until the Boeing 747 and Apollo Mission programs were done.

After Clare-Pendar, Larry returned to work with the Forest service as a seasonal worker in fire before receiving a permanent appointment. He transferred into Buildings and Maintenance, and handled all of the buildings and fleet at Fernan Ranger District, including Magee Ranger Station. Larry transferred back to Laona, Wis. where he taught buildings and maintenance to Job Corps students.

After retiring, Larry underwent two mechanical heart transplants in 2001. He received an actual heart transplant November 2004.

While working as Clare-Pendar, Larry saw a young lady he really liked and went with her on a blind date in July 1969. He asked Janet Rickel to marry him two weeks later and they were married Dec. 23, 1969. They have no children.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and Janet's parents. He is survived by his wife, Janet; niece, Kyla Arruda (Sonny, Sophie); two cousins, Darlene Sharp (John and children) and Marlene Malone (Michael); brother-in-law, Val Rickel (Cheryl); and his faithful cat, Sasha.

The memorial service will be 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2015, at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Heart Transplant Foundation c/o Providence Sacred Heart Medical and Children's Hospital, 101 W. Eighth Ave., Spokane, WA 99704 or Pets for Vets c/o American Legion Depart. of Idaho, 901 Warren St., Boise, ID 83706.

Please visit Larry's memorial and sign his online guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.