Colleen Harris Packard

Colleen Harris Packard transitioned peacefully and graciously the morning of March 17, 2010, at home with her husband and sons by her bedside.

Born to Donald and Dorothy Buckmaster on April 5, 1947, on the upper peninsula of Michigan in the small town of Gladstone. She was the youngest of three children and recalled a wonderful childhood in her “Village on the Big Lake.”

She graduated from Gladstone High School, where she was a cheerleader and class valedictorian. She then attended Michigan State University and earned an art degree.

Shortly thereafter, Colleen moved to Newport Beach, Calif., and began a career in interior design. It was there that she met her husband, Charley Packard, and they married Dec. 4, 1971. A son, Jesse, was born in October of 1972.

In the spring of 1978, Colleen, Charley and Jesse moved to Sandpoint, Idaho. James (Buck) was born May 18, 1980. Both her boys were born at home.

She loved being in North Idaho and the people who live here. A retail sales job at Insight was followed by daytime bartending at the Kamloops, then Bugatti’s, where countless patrons were greeted by her genuine and beautiful smile, and sincere interest in their lives.

Her smile is remembered by all who knew her, along with her beauty and grace.

Dr. David Crow taught Colleen orthodontic lab work, which she loved so much the past 20 years. He referred to her as his “artist in residence.”

In recent years, she found joy in her grandchildren, enjoyed tending to her flower beds, crossword puzzles, reading and bargain hunting at Goodwill and Bizarre Bazaar.

She is preceded in death by her father, Donald. She is survived by her mother, Dorothy; her husband, Charley; sons Jesse (and Nikki) Harris and James “Buck” Harris; a granddaughter, Maggie; grandsons Henry and Charley; a sister, Sheila (and Max Wagner); and a brother, Gary (and Kristen).

Donations to assist the family with her medical expenses can be made in her name at Panhandle State Bank.

On Saturday, May 1 at 1 p.m., a celebration of Colleen’s life will take place at the Oden Bay hall. It will be a potluck (which she loved) so please bring a side dish. All else will be provided, along with music performed by her many musician friends.

“It’s never over, it’s just over the wall.”