Chester 'Chet' L. Savage, 79

Chester “Chet” Savage was born in Muskegon, Mich., on April 21, 1945, to Donald Savage and Frances (Kvarnberg) Savage.

Chet passed from this life June 23, 2024, in the arms of his loving wife, Georgette Baillesd’Err. He loved his sister, Barbara Chiarella; her husband, Ralph Chiarella; his son, Brian Savage; his wife, Laura (Bonaso) Savage; grandchildren: Alec, Anya, and Max; along with his nephew, Donald Tidwell; his wife, Shannon; their daughter, McKenna; son Connor; and niece Jennifer Iacino; and daughter Summer.

Chet was a most amazing man. He was loved by so many and a true friend to everyone. His career was in civil engineering design. He was a volunteer fireman in Westley, Calif., for the Westley/El Solyo Fire Department. When he moved to Bonners Ferry in 2004, he became a firefighter for the Paradise Valley Volunteer Fire Department. In 2008, he was awarded Fire Fighter of the Year from N.I.F.C.A. Later, he became deputy chief of the Paradise Valley Volunteer Fire Department. Chet was also treasurer for the Boundary County Fire Chief’s Association, the Fire Investigation Team, and the Sheriff's Posse. He was passionate about firefighting and public service. He loved living in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, and serving the community. 

Chet was an avid runner, sailor, skier, hiker, horseman, and classic car enthusiast. He was an animal lover and a vital part of Second Chance Animal Adoption, Inc. Chet was also an active participant and assisted over the years with the Kootenai River Run and the Turkey Trot. Chet was a member of the Prime Timers Ski Club. He loved flying with his father, the 1968 Meyers Manx dune buggy that they built together, and teaching his son Brian mechanics. Chet was a multi-talented man who could do anything. He designed his dream log home and did quite a bit of the work on it, as well as building a barn and several outbuildings himself. Chet’s absolute greatest talent was being an extraordinary husband. He is so loved and will be greatly missed.

In memory of Chet, donations can be made to the Paradise Valley Volunteer Fire Department, 2492 Paradise Valley Rd., Bonners Ferry, ID 84805, and/or Second Chance Animal Adoption, Inc., P.O. Box 1925, Bonners Ferry, Idaho 83805.

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with the care of arrangements. Please visit Chet’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.