Perry Louis Spease

Perry Louis Spease (69) passed away on August 26, 2008 at his residence in Redding, California. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2008 at 1:00 pm in the Grandview Cemetery with interment following. Perry Louis Spease was born on May 17th 1939 in Sacramento, CA. He was born to Louis and Beatrice Spease. He had an older sister and was later joined by a younger brother. Perry grew up between Sacramento, CA and Camptonville, CA. Graduating from High School in Sacramento, CA. Perry joined the Army in 1957 and was trained in Field Mines, Explosives, and driving a Tank. Perry served 2 tours of Duty in Korea. After returning to California, he married Mary Franklin, whom he had met at the Savin Sam’s gas station in Nevada City, CA. Together they had 4 children. The first a daughter named Ellen, than another daughter, Norma, followed 2 years later by twin boys, David and Michael. During his marriage to Mary, he worked as an explosive expert in the mines out in Nevada, then moved on with his explosive expertise to the logging industry. Perry and Mary’s marriage ended, but they remained as friends. In 1978 Perry moved up to Idaho with his new wife Roxanne Rodgers. There he continued his career in logging, and devoted his spare time to volunteering at the local Fire Department. Perry was active with the Curly Creek Volunteer Fire Department for 18 years. Due to economics, Perry changed his occupation from logging and went to work for Bonner County as a jailer. He remained there until he was disabled in an accident. Around this time his marriage with Roxanne had also ended. Perry left Idaho and returned to California in 1996, moving to Redding, CA. He stayed with some friends and was introduced to Nancy Reed. Nancy and Perry were together for the past 12 years until his passing on August 26th, 2008. Perry was a one of a kind individual. He loved to be loved but could not always show his feelings. He was often gruff and grumbly so he would not have to show too much of what was inside. He would sit on the porch of his home in Redding and watch the people pass by. Homeless and poor alike would come and sit with him. He would offer them a drink or a ride down to the food bank or the shelter. Occasionally he would give money to help a needy woman to have a place to sleep with her children. Perry loved his guns and was an active trader. He was a member of the Nation Rifle Association and had completed extensive training and certification on pistol marksmanship. He will be sorely missed by many and we pray that he has moved on to a happier, pain free place. Family and friends are invited to sign Perry’s book at www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com Arrangement are entrusted to the care of Bonners Ferry Funeral Home.