Dwain Mcginnis

Dwain McGinnis died October 1, 2021 at Boundary Community Hospital in Bonners Ferry, ID, from complications of lung cancer. His wife and best friend, Kathy, was at his side.

Dwain was born October 21, 1944 in Phoenix, AZ. He was adopted and raised by his Grandparents, Frank and Geneva (Sherrod) McGinnis.

As his dad was a bridge foreman for the railroad, Dwain’s early years were spent living on the railroad cars. He would often regale us with stories of these early times, where he dreamed of being a cowboy.

When he was seven years old the family moved to Phoenix, AZ, where he grew up.

Dwain joined the Army when he was 17 and spent time in the airborne forces. He had many adventures while stationed in Berlin, West Germany.

Shortly after his Army discharge, he was married and had three children: Brian, Wendy, and Dawn.

In 1970 Dwain left Phoenix on his motorcycle with no plans and no particular destination. He ended up in Portland, OR. It was in Portland where he would meet the love of his life, Kathy Pluid. Dwain and Kathy were married September 4, 1982, recently celebrating their 39 ^th wedding anniversary. They were blessed with two children: Lauren Michelle and Frank Jay.

Over his lifetime Dwain had dozens of jobs and felt he was richer for the experiences he had doing such a wide variety of things. He was most proud of his years spent working for the City of Moyie Springs, Idaho as the sole maintenance department for the city. He served two terms as a City Councilman, and spent 12 years with the fire department.

Dwain loved hunting and fishing. The beauty of nature and Boundary County was not lost on him. He spent hours in his chair on his porch, staring through the binoculars at the beautiful view of the woods and the wildlife that graced his little spot of the world he loved. He loved playing games, especially pinochle. He was a voracious reader, said to “read everything he could get his hands on”. He loved the knowledge he managed to acquire from his reading. He also loved a good story (and told his share), a firm handshake, and a JD on the rocks.

Most of all Dwain loved his family. He found pure joy in his wife and children. One of the highlights of his life began when he became, “PaPa”, to his grandchildren, Abigail Frances, and Eli Vincent. They lit up his eyes and his heart and he couldn’t get enough of them.

Dwain will be remembered for his love of life and his sense of humor. He was genuinely loved and will be truly missed.

Dwain is survived by his wife, Kathy, in Bonners Ferry. His children, Brian (Cara) McGinnis, Wendy Hoosier, Dawn McGinnis, all of Tacoma, WA, Lauren (Adam) Michel, Bonners Ferry, ID, and Frank McGinnis, Coeur d’Alene, ID. His grandchildren, Cheri McGinnis, Taylor McGinnis of Tacoma, WA. Abbi and Eli Michel of Bonners Ferry, ID, and one great grandson. Brother, Larry Peterson, Escondido, CA, sisters Leslie Fray, Platina, CA, Robin (Don) Tuttle and Kimberly Hunt, Buckeye, AZ. Brother-in-law, Rob (Kim) Pluid, Moyie Springs, ID, sisters-in-law, Kari (Bill) LaRue and Kristi (Mike) Gravelle, of Spokane, WA. Father-in-law, Bob Pluid, Moyie Springs, ID. As well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Dwain was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law, Ina Pluid, brother-in-law, Ron Fray, and sister-in-law, Kathleen Peterson.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, October 16, 2021 at The United Methodist Church in Bonners Ferry, ID at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Grandview Cemetery also in Bonners Ferry.