Robert P. Waits, 87

Robert P. Waits, 87, passed away in Sandpoint, Idaho, on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2006.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 30, 2006, in Coffelt's Funeral Chapel in Sandpoint. Pastor Barry Johnson will officiate. Interment will be in Pinecrest Memorial Park.

Friends may call to pay their respects from 3-5 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 29, at Coffelt Funeral Service.

Robert was born in Denver, Colo., on Nov. 10, 1918, the son of Richard and Velvia (Mote) Waits. He attended schools in Colorado and Wyoming prior to joining the U.S. Army on March 5, 1942. He was stationed in the South Pacific as a sergeant with the Coast Artillery. He saw combat action in 1943 and was discharged in 1945.

In 1947, he moved to the Sandpoint area to work in the cedar industry, selling poles to Shaffer-Hitchcock Pole Company. Elmer Waits and Robert worked together for Boyd Stevens for many years. He pulled green chain and operated the resaw at the Colburn mill until he retired in 1980.

On Dec. 4, 1988, he married Bernice Branson in Moscow, Idaho.

He was a member of the IOOF, holding all four degrees, and serving as Noble Grand, Grand Patriarch and Captain. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and wood carving. For many years he represented the IOOF, in full uniform, at Memorial Day services in Pinecrest Memorial Park and at local parades.

He is survived by his sister, Mary Blanche Woods of Lakewood, Colo., and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Bernice; and a sister, Elizabeth.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.