Glen Wright 'Blackie' Black

Glen Wright “Blackie” Black of Hauser, died June 27, 2008, outside of Red Lodge, Mont., doing what he favored most — in the saddle of his Harley Davidson and on the open road. He was 70. Glen was born on April 8, 1938, in Newport, Wash. From the age of 12, he grew up in Sandpoint, where he graduated from Sandpoint High School in 1956. After high school, he joined the U.S. Marine Corp and served at Camp Pendleton, Calif. for two years, where he was a member of the boxing team. After his service, he moved to Idaho and attended North Idaho Junior College in Coeur d’ Alene and worked at the police station as a desk Sgt.

In 1960, Glen moved to Nevada where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology at the University of Nevada and worked for 16 years at Harrah’s in Reno, Nev. He worked many jobs, but eventually became personnel manager for the hotel casino and told many stories of handling celebrities such as Sammy Davis, Jr. and Jimmy Dean. In 1977 he moved back to Coeur d’Alene and with his wife, Patty, purchased the Hauser Lake Smoke Shop on Highway 53. The business started as a small quonset hut selling solely cigarettes, but expanded over the years to a flourishing convenience store. Black also founded Black & Associates Auctioneers in 1979 and became renowned throughout Northern Idaho for his charismatic auction style. He successfully performed art and estate sales across the nation including the annual Coeur d’ Alene Art Auction, as well as heavy equipment sales as far away as the Philippines. In 1995, Glen sold the auction business to his nephew, Troy Black, remaining as a contract auctioneer and consultant for the business, which is thriving more than ever today.

Those close to Glen know that he was passionate about staying active. He could be seen putting for birdie on a local golf course, riding through the mountains on his ATV or snowmobile, cruising the highways on his motorcycle or packing into the wilderness on a mule. Glen was most happy outdoors among friends. All those he encountered will dearly miss him, but none more than the large, loving family he left behind. Glen is survived his loving mother, Mary Ellen Huff Black; brothers Michael and LaRene Black, Clair and Linda Black and Duane “Blacky” Black; daughters Valerie King, Cari Jo Gonzalez and Jamie Black-Lewis; seven grandchildren who he adored; and his dancing partner Gayle Hitch. He was preceded in death by his father, Leo H. Black.

There will be a celebration of his life on Saturday, July 12, starting at 10 a.m. at St. Pius X Church, 625 East Haycraft Ave. in Coeur d’Alene. After the service, Glen’s family invites you to join them for a celebration aboard the Mish-A-Nock for a family hosted cruise. We want to pack the boat, which accommodates 400 people. Food will be provided, so please RSVP to Jamie Black-Lewis in an e-mail to jambla7@msn.com. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations are made in Glen’s name to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital in Spokane as Glen loved children. El Kalif Temple, 1108 West Riverside Ave., Spokane, Wash. 99201-1197. Please visit Glen’s online memorial and sign the guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com