Chester V. Sharai, 91

Chester V. Sharai, 91, died on Monday, Aug. 27, 2007 in Sandpoint, Idaho. He died of causes related to old age.

Private family memorial services will be held at a later date.

Chester was born to Wellington F. and Angus Sharai in Hope, Idaho, on Feb. 10, 1916. He was a brother to Francis, Vernise, Isabelle, Edna, and Alva.

After high school he went to work for the Civilian Conservation Corps in a sawmill.

During World War II he was a civilian diesel mechanic. Later he worked as a carpenter's helper building houses in the Hope area. He also worked as a dishwasher, in the mess hall, during the construction of Cabinet Gorge Dam. He retired as a mill worker in Spokane, Wash.

Many a Hope youth from the early 1950s will remember the many hours he spent, with his boat, pulling them around on a homemade surfboard and later water skis. He will also be remembered for his quiet manner and his willingness to always help others with no complaints. He liked to hike in the mountains behind Hope and he often brushed out his fathers old mine trail, the Sharai Trail.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, and sisters.

He is survived by nephews Ed (Sandy) and Ken Butler of Hope; niece Janet Butler of York, Maine; Sandy McNeel of Seattle, Washington, nieces Lynda Sharai, Sharon Sharai, and Debra Sharai Ramazani of Oregon and nephew Dewayne Sharai of Oregon.

Memorials may be made to the Hope Cemetery Committee, PO Box 209, Hope, Idaho 83836

Family and friends are invited to sign Chester's online guest book and visit his obituary at www.coffeltfuneral.com.

Final arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.