Henry L. 'Shorty' Lagrou, 96

Former Sandpoint, Idaho, resident Henry L. "Shorty" Lagrou, 96, of Spokane, Wash., died Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in Spokane.

He was born June 29, 1912, in Sandusky, Mich., the son of Leon and Elodia Lagrou. He moved to the Sandpoint area as a small child and was raised and educated here.

He married Mildred C. Anderson on June 2, 1943, in Havre, Mont. Shorty was a mechanic in Sandpoint for many years.

He was a member of the Lutheran Church.

Shorty enjoyed hunting, fishing, spending time in God's great outdoors, but perhaps his greatest gift was his sensitivity to the needs of others. He would drop whatever he was doing to help those in need whether it was to help with a broken-down vehicle, visiting the sick, or doing whatever was needed.

Shorty is survived by his wife, Mildred of Spokane; three children, Don (Jodi) Lagrou of Spokane, Linda (Bill) Norberg of Spokane, and Barbara Lagrou of Tacoma; two grandchildren, Conni (Chad) Cossette of Waxhauchie, Texas, Sam (Chrissy) Lagrou of Spokane; and two great-grandchildren, Collin and Corrianna of Texas.

Graveside services will be conducted at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2008, at Pinecrest Cemetery, with Pastor David Olson, officiating. Friends may call at Coffelt Funeral Chapel Friday from 3-6 p.m. and on Saturday from 1-2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests you plant a tree in memory of Shorty who loved the outdoors, or contribute your time, talent, or money to the Quilting Circle of 1st Lutheran Church, 526 S. Olive, Sandpoint, Idaho for the distribution of quilts around the world.

Family and friends are invited to sign Henry's online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Coffelt Funeral Service of Sandpoint.