Roy Eli Larson, 85

Roy Eli Larson, 85, passed away in Moyie Springs, Idaho, on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009.

Graveside funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009, in the Westmond Cemetery. Pastor Nevin J. Neal, Bonners Ferry, Idaho, will officiate.

Roy was born in Rolla, N.D., on Oct. 20, 1923, the son of Olaf and Anna Larson.

The family moved to Sagle, Idaho, in 1936 and he attended Bonner County schools.

He served with the U.S. Army during World War II, seeing action at Normandy and in Central Europe. He spent 17 months in a prisoner of war camp in Germany.

Following the war he returned to Sandpoint, working in area sawmills. He pulled green chain, at the Colburn Mill for many years. He lived in Colburn, Sagle, and Naples, later moving to Moyie Springs, Idaho

Roy was a member of the Circle and Swing Square Dance Club and the Sandpoint Eagles Lodge, Aeire No. 589.

He is survived by his wife Helena Kirkendall of Creston, British Columbia, Canada; his children, Marie Corbin in Chiloquin, Ore., Sandra Larson in Klamath Falls, Ore., Mike Larson in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, Ricky Larson in Ponderay, Idaho, Rocky Larson in Post Falls, Idaho, Dale Larson in Kootenai, Idaho, Ken Kirkendall in Calgary, Alberta, Canada,  Miles Kirkendall in New Glasgo, N.S., Floyd Kirkendall in Sherwood Park, Alberta, Vickie Walker in Kelowna, British Columbia, and Valerie Joy in Revelstroke, British Columbia.

Also surviving are 32 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren; his brother, Lyle Larson in Wenatchee, Wash.; and his sister, Edna Eldred in Spokane, Wash.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lee, his wife Nell, a grandchild, and a great grandchild.

Family and friends are invited to sign Roy’s online guestbook at www.coffeltfuneral.com.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service of Sandpoint.