Francis Burton Wells

Burt Wells (84) passed away on June 5, 2008 at the Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, June 13, 2008 at 1:00pm at the Boundary County Fair Grounds Exhibit Hall with internment following in the Grandview Cemetery, Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Born Francis Burton Wells on Feb. 18 1924 in Bonners Ferry to Edger and Helms Wells, Burt was raised in Paradise Valley and attended school to the 11th grade at which time he left to work in the mines, both Sunshine and the Continental spending the winter in Boundary Creek . With the United States entering into world war Two, He enlisted in the Army, Serving in Europe until VE day then going to the Philippines. He arrived back in Bonners Ferry on Christmas Eve 1945. After trying his hand at various jobs, Burt went to work for the State of Idaho Dept. of Transportation in 1947and stayed there until his Retirement in 1984. Burt married Kathleen Bates on May 23, 1948 and bought into her fathers cattle ranch and they made their home in district two from then on. Dad's two loves in life were Mom and the horses they raised on the ranch. He also enjoyed hunting and reworking military rifles into sporting rifles and hand loading. When Burt retired from the state he devoted himself to the ranch full time. Burt also believed in giving back to the community, He was involved in the Kootenai River Riders, Selkirk Saddle Club, and a 4-H leader as well as having served on the Fair Board for 18 years, spending many nights and weekend working on the rodeo arena (all three)and grand stands. He enjoyed the many hours spent with his 4H kids. He also spent some time as a Scout leader and was a member of the American Legion and life long member of the NRA. Burt was preceded in death by his wife Kathleen and brother, Edgar. He is survived by his sons Robert and Cathy, Paul and Charlene (Charlie) and grandchildren Joe and Stephanie Wells, LeAnn and James Knott, Heath, Samantha (Sam), and Spencer Wells. He had numerous nieces, nephews and was called grandpa by many more. Family and friends are invited to sign Burt’s book at www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com Arrangement are entrusted to the care of Bonners Ferry Funeral Home.