Leigh Miles Standish, 85

Leigh Miles Standish, 85, passed away in Sandpoint, Idaho on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2008.

Leigh was born a "preemie" weighing under 2 pounds in Underwood, N.D., on April 7, 1923, the son of Lloyd and Ellen Standish.

The doctor sent him home to die. His parents kept him alive in a cigar box in the warmer of the wood stove.

 The family moved to Sandpoint during the Great Depression. Leigh graduated from Sandpoint High School in 1941.

 In May, 1942, he married Betty Jo Caughey and they raised four children. Their children are Charmian Standish, Spokane; Larry Standish, Sandpoint: Bill Standish (deceased); and Marilyn Mavity, Omaha, Neb.

 Leigh spent his career hauling logs and driving truck. He has enjoyed what North Idaho has to offer as a hunter, boater and fisherman.

 He was a gun enthusiast and accomplished gunsmith. Leigh has been a long time member and a past president of the Sandpoint Gun Club.

 Since his retirement, Leigh has kept busy managing the homestead and tree farm at Wrencoe Loop. This  has been the Standish home for 56 years.

 He was preceded in death by his parents; his only sibling, Marjorie Mathison; and son, Bill.

 Leigh is survived by his wife of 66 years, Betty; three children, seven grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren with one more on the way and two great-great-grandchildren.

 A family gathering will be held at the Wrencoe home Saturday, Oct. 4.

A "celebration of life" open house will be held Sunday, Oct. 5, beginning at 1 p.m. at the Tam O' Shanter in Sandpoint.

Family and friends are invited to sign Leigh's online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.