Max Birdsell, 95

Max Birdsell, 95, of Cocolalla, Idaho, passed away on Oct. 13, 2024, at Life Care Center in Sandpoint, Idaho. 

Max was born March 31, 1929, in Lancaster, Wash., to George and Edna Birdsell. Raised on the family farm, Max attended a one-room schoolhouse, until eventually graduating from St. John High School in 1947. He later attended and graduated from UCLA. 

Max worked as a deputy sheriff for Whitman County. Later he then went on to become a hospital administrator at Whitman Hospital. Later in life, after moving to Sandpoint, Idaho, he owned and operated a butcher shop, M&E Custom Meats, as well as being a highway commissioner for 21 years.

Max was first married to Clara Bell Hayes. Together they raised two boys, Gary and Barry. They were later divorced and Max married Margery Ann Jacobs on June 7, 1981. They also raised two boys, Max and Evan.

Max enjoyed hunting, fishing, and taking care of his garden, but mostly Max was a family man, who loved and adored his children and especially his grandchildren.

Max is survived by his loving wife, Peg Birdsell of Cocolalla, Idaho; three sons, Barry (Betty Jo) Birdsell of Pullman, Wash., Max (Alyssa) Birdsell of Post Falls, Idaho, and Evan (Rebecca) Birdsell of Post Falls; and seven grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; five sisters; and one son, Gary Birdsell.

A celebration of Max’s life will be held Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Lakeview Funeral Home, 301 S. Olive St., Sandpoint, ID 83864. A reception will be held following services at the Sandpoint Elks Lodge, 30196 Highway 200, Ponderay, ID 83852.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Max’s online memorial at lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.