Ronald Akre, 74

On Thursday, May 11, 2023, Ronald Wayne (Ron) Akre, age 74, loving father of one, and loving grandfather of two, passed away with his daughter holding his hand and son-in-law by his side after a long fight with cancer.

Ron was born on October 6, 1948, in Granite Falls, Minnesota, to Reuben and Eila Akre. The Akre family moved to Newport, Washington, in 1957 and later moved to Priest River, Idaho.

Ron graduated high school in 1966 from Newport and enlisted in the Navy in 1968. Ron served his country from 1968-1971 including a tour in Vietnam for the better part of a year.

After an honorable discharge in 1971, Ron returned home to Priest River and started working for the United States Forest Service. Ron lived in Libby, Montana, from 1973-1975, then lived in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, from 1975-1978. In 1978, his father asked him to come work for him in Priest River to help build the family logging company. He then worked for his little brother Dean when the family company became his and for his other little brother Duane. Ron’s true happiness came when he was in the woods building roads.

In 1985, Ron had his first and only child with Linda Haberkamp (Taylor). Ron loved his daughter with all his heart. Together they enjoyed fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, floating the priest, playing baseball, riding bikes, going to the movies, and whatever the day had to throw at them. Ron and his daughter were inseparable and had the best time together. Ron taught his daughter many essential life skills including driving, snowmobiling, motorcycling, and most importantly, how to bait a hook. Ron instilled compassion and caring for all animals in Cassie, and together they would take care of stray cats that would wander over to the house.

Ron retired around 2015 and was able to fully enjoy his passion for visiting all the beautiful areas Priest Lake has to offer. As soon as the snow hit Ron was on his snowmobile and when the snow melted, he would switch to his side-by-side, only taking a few days off from time to time to cut firewood. Some of Ron’s favorite days were on his snowmobile (with his brothers, daughter, son-in-law, and grandsons) where he could ride through the clouds to the top of the mountain to feel the sunshine and see the most beautiful views North Idaho has to offer. He was known as the “Man in the Woods” to many Priest Lake locals and had a story for every mile of trail in the area.

Ron is survived by the mother of his daughter, Linda Haberkamp (Taylor); his daughter and son-in-law, Cassie and Dave Price; grandsons, Coleton and Cameron Price; his brothers, sisters, and (spouses), Duane (Sue) Akre, Peggy (Van) Smith, Cyndi (Mike) Grady, Dean (Sandy) Akre, nieces/nephews Nicole, Matt, Brittany, Bonny, Marcie, Reuben, and Rachel; ex-wife and long ago friend, Margo Pazos (Funge); and many other beloved family members. Ron is proceeded in death by his mom and dad, Reuben and Eila Akre; his uncles and aunts, James Kirschbaum, James Akre, and Ione Akre; and beloved nephew, Spencer Smith.

A service will be held for Ron at the American Lutheran Church in Newport, Washington, on Saturday, June 3 at 10 a.m. Please come and join us in celebrating his many years of life.

Sherman-Campbell Funeral Home in Newport is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are welcome to visit their website at www.shermancampbell.com.