Friday, December 28, 2007

Remembering those we lost in 2007


Christmas season is always filled with joy and hope. It's also a time to remember families and friends saddened by personal losses in the last 12 months. The Idaho Mountain Express remembers some of those we've lost here.

Corby Dibble, 78, former executive director of the Sun Valley Ski Club and Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation, died Jan. 11 at her Hailey home with son Chris by her side. For years, Corby was active in Sun Valley city government and the world of dressage horses. A 1949 graduate of Northwestern University, she met Phil Puchner during a post-graduate summer session at the University of Colorado. They moved to Sun Valley and married in 1951. She worked a variety of jobs in Sun Valley's Union Pacific days and became a daily skier with Joannie Patterson. An equestrian since childhood, she was also a daily fixture at the stables. Corby was an insatiable reader who became a founding member of The Community Library board in 1955. She served an important role in organizing the ski club and SVSEF junior ski teams during their formative days. She was chairman of the city's Planning and Zoning Commission. In later years, Corby cared for her horses and grew more interested and proficient in the art of dressage. She traveled widely as a technical delegate.

Frances Laidlaw Jonas, 87, a Bellevue native whose parents were original Wood River Valley homesteaders, died Jan. 13 of natural causes at her home in Zinc Spur. Frances' life and family tree represented a slice of valley life that date back to the pioneer mining era. Her maternal grandparents came to Bellevue from Utah in a horse-drawn wagon in 1885. Her father, William Laidlaw, and two brothers brought the family's history of sheep husbandry to the valley in 1910 when they emigrated from Scotland. The Laidlaws were the first to graze sheep in the upper valley and over Galena Summit. Frances' parents established a ranch east of Carey Lake. A waitress for Union Pacific at the new Sun Valley Resort, she met her husband, Robert Jonas, at the resort in its early years. They bought a little house on Ketchum's Garnet Street for $2,000. Her husband was a carpenter who helped build the Roundhouse on Baldy. And Frances, who worked at Dollar Cabin, also knitted sweaters that were sold to resort guests. A faithful member of St. Charles Church, she delighted in gardening and painting and enjoyed her Zinc Spur retirement home built in 1972.

Jean Swartling, 67, a South Dakota native who raised her two children in Twin Falls and became a trusted employee at the Idaho Mountain Express, died peacefully on Feb. 9 at her home on Saddle Road in Sun Valley after a long and courageous battle with pulmonary hypertension and lung problems. Jean was a prolific reader and valuable volunteer worker at a number of local organizations. Late in life she attended the College of Southern Idaho and received certificates in computer applications and desktop publishing. That led to her job at the Express and her joke resume, still in the Express files, which reads, "Jean Swartling, Tough Old Broad, will work for Jack Daniels."

Robert Jasper Barnes, 89, self-proclaimed horse trader and U.S. Navy veteran of World War II who was instrumental in organizing the Black Jack Ketchum Shootout in the late 1950s, died Feb. 4 in Salt Lake City, Utah. An Iowa native, Bob had a passion for hunting and fishing that brought him to Idaho in the early 1950s. A Sawtooth Rangers Riding Club and Warm Springs Riding Club member, he was a familiar face in the Ketchum Wagon Days parade and annual Hailey Independence Day rodeo. Bob owned a barbershop in Ketchum and was active in government and service organizations. He was a true wanderer who loved the valley.

Joannie Patterson Jacobs, 81, matriarch of the Sun Valley-based Patterson family of alpine ski racers and one of the original founders of the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Feb. 20 in New York City. Born in Omaha to Arthur and Helen Scribner, Joannie moved to Sun Valley in 1948 to skate in the summer ice shows. She married engineer/skier James Arthur Patterson and helped him establish an engineering business here. They built a home at the base of Baldy's Warm Springs ski run that Sun Valley Co. later turned into the North Face Hut—the forerunner of the present Warm Springs Lodge. Joannie's children, Ruff, Susie, Pete, Barbie and Matt were all skiers—Susie and Pete becoming U.S. Olympians and Ruff becoming the cross-country ski coach at Dartmouth College. A highly-respected real estate agent, Joannie married Harry A. Jacobs Jr. in 1997 after the death of her first husband. She was known for her zest for life.

Norman Watson, 86, who helped bring the first television to the Wood River Valley, went peacefully to join his wife of 62 years on April 30. Born in Hailey in 1921, Watson and a friend climbed Carbonate and installed an antenna to bring TV to the valley for the first time. Norman and his relatives by marriage built many roads in the Gem State.

Joe Poitevin, 87, who built three Ketchum lumberyards for Anderson Lumber Co. while living here from 1965-76, died March 4 at his home in Ogden, Utah. He was the father of Martha Poitevin Page, chairman of the board of Express Publishing Co., which publishes the Idaho Mountain Express bi-weekly newspaper and Website and a number of local magazines. The eldest son of a founding eastern Idaho family, Joe Poitevin began skiing as a teen in Idaho Falls and continued his interest in the new American sport while at the University of Washington. A gunnery officer on the USS Craven in the South Pacific from 1943-45, Poitevin took part in the Battle of Vella Gulf in Aug. 1943. It turned the tide of the South Pacific Allied campaign of World War II. After the family's John J. Poitevin Lumber Co., based in Idaho Falls, was sold to Anderson Lumber, Joe and his family moved to Ketchum in 1965 to open a branch of the business here, in a resort community on the verge of a real estate and construction boom. The Ketchum yard became one of the busiest in the chain. Joe served as a president of the Ketchum Rotary Club and Ketchum Chamber of Commerce, and was a director of the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation. He was a proud member of the Ogden (Utah) Country Club.

Marie Ivie, 80, a native of Mackay who worked for 33 years in the Blaine County Courthouse prior to her retirement in 1987, died March 7 at her Bellevue home with family by her side. The wife of Arthur Ivie and mother of four children, Marie spent most of her working life as clerk of the district court and ex officio auditor and recorder for Blaine County. She loved the outdoors and travel. Her home was a central meeting spot for special occasions. Friends remembered her fondly for often saying, "I think it's beer time."

Milli Wiggins, 74, a cultural catalyst who co-founded the elegant Sun Valley boutique named Avventura, died May 1 in a Boise hospital after a fight with cancer. Born in Oklahoma, Milli was an original, a wit and a true intellectual. After living in New York City she joined her lifelong friend Connie Maricich Chesnel in Sun Valley in 1960. Milli and her new boyfriend, Mike Solheim, were employees who enlivened a bar called "Leadville," located in the 80-year-old First Congregational Church in downtown Ketchum. The bar was an enormous success and Mike and Milli soon married. From 1967-78 Milli and Connie operated their clothing boutique in Sun Valley Mall and the successful business reopened in 1978 in Ketchum. Avventura became synonymous with exquisite taste in women's apparel—in large part because of Milli's taste and business acumen. A devoted patron of the arts, Milli was also instrumental in saving the First Congregational Church from the wrecking ball in 1999. She was a rare spirit who had a gift for friendship.

Ruby Lee Green, 98, former postmaster of Muldoon who was instrumental with her husband, Leslie, in establishing Larkin Community Church in Carey, died May 9 at her home in Carey. Married in Boise in 1927, Ruby and Leslie drove to their new home in Muldoon near Bellevue in an Essex automobile. It was full-day trip. She wrote and published her husband's family history, which is on record at the Community Library in Ketchum.

John Goodwin, 64, skier, surfer, lifeguard and artisan who spent 43 years as a Sun Valley winter resident, died May 21 two days after suffering a massive stroke. After John's death, paddle-outs and memorial services were held at his Hermosa Beach, Calif., home and on the north shore of Oahu. He worked as a Los Angeles County lifeguard for 40 years, but he first sold lift tickets in 1963 at the old Challenger Inn during the Union Pacific days of Sun Valley Resort. John's love affair with the ski resort included marrying his fiancee, Darlene, in matching white ski suits at Averell's in the Roundhouse. He took up snowboarding at 50 "on an alpine carving board," he proudly said. An avid reader, he worked hard as a woodworker and potter and also played hard his whole life.

Charles Harris, 93, Hailey merchant and mortuary director who took great joy in the Sawtooth Rangers Riding Club and bowling, died July 30. Born in Hailey in 1913, he was the grandson of Wood River pioneer miner Charles Edward Harris, who established the Harris Furniture and Mortuary Co. here in 1891. Charles and his wife, Pilar Arriaga Harris, maintained the family business until 1973. No one loved Hailey and the valley more than Charles. As a youngster, he won children's dog sled races on Main Street. He worked on the first paved road between Hailey and Ketchum. He rode with great enthusiasm on the Rangers' drill team and was an active member of civic organizations.

Mila Riggio, 46, well-known local who was executive producer for Plum Sun Valley Television, died of hyperthermia Aug. 6 in a hot tub at Upper Board Ranch. The Hailey resident had been involved with the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation and Ski Magazine, coordinating and producing many local events. Mother of a teenage son and daughter, she was a 21-year Wood River Valley resident. A special service was held Aug. 12 at Trail Creek Cabin.

Harry "Bob" Jackson, 81, lifelong Hailey resident and operator of the Western Auto store in Hailey for many years, died Aug. 23 at his home. Born in Hailey in 1925, Bob graduated from Hailey High School where he played football. He served on a submarine in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Along with operating Western Auto with his wife, Letitia Rutter, Bob was a certified public accountant with an office in his hometown. He was a Sawtooth Rangers Riding Club member.

Daniel Alban, 62, well respected Blaine County magistrate judge in Hailey from 1975-93, died Oct. 7 in Ketchum after a gallant 30-year fight with multiple sclerosis. A native of Kansas who studied law at the University of Arizona, Alban moved to Ketchum in 1971 and commuted to Filer to work as a law clerk. He also worked as a busboy and all-night desk clerk at Sun Valley Resort. Shortly after he opened a law practice in Ketchum, he was appointed Blaine County Magistrate and, in 1976, he married the love of his life, Susie, on opening night of the Elevation 6000 restaurant in Warm Springs. During his 17-plus years of service, he heard over 64,000 dispositions—adoptions and marriages being his favorites by far. Progressive MS forced his early retirement in 1993, but Dan fought on through one health crisis after another. An inspiration to the community and a teacher by example, he was a strong advocate of kindness toward people and animals.

Marjorie Brass Heiss, 97, who grew up on her family's Brass Ranch where the Sun Valley Resort is now located, died Oct. 10 in Hailey. She was one of the last living links to the heritage of Sun Valley. Born in 1910 in Caldwell, she moved with her family to Ketchum's Horace Lewis Ranch in 1912. Her father, Ernest Brass, had purchased the 3,300 acres of property just east of the small mining town. The five Brass children rode horses all over the property. In fact, Marge said horses were her first love, and fishing was her second. The Brass Ranch ran cattle, sheep and horses, and her father once planted potatoes where Sun Valley Lodge now stands. Union Pacific bought the Brass Ranch in 1936 for its new Sun Valley Resort. By that time, Marjorie, known by all as Marge, had married Jerome native Clark Heiss. They lived in Jerome, where they established the Heiss Charolois Cattle Ranch and became very active in the community. But they spent summers and holidays at their cabin near present-day St. Thomas Church in Ketchum. Marge introduced Peruvian Pasos and Tennessee Walkers to the valley, and for years rode them in the Wagon Days Parade while holding full champagne glasses. She also rode her horse as grand marshal of the Wagon Days Parade in 1999. "God bless her cowgirl soul," her sister Nicole Hymas said. "We'll miss her."

KC (Kirk) Benson, 48, a river rafter, builder and craftsman with a wife of 27 years and two teenage children, died peacefully in his sleep Nov. 4 surrounded by his family. KC was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer Aug. 14 and faced the devastating diagnosis with dignity. When he told others of his illness, he stated in classic KC style, "I have no complaints, I've had a great ride." Born in Malad and educated in Nampa, KC married his high-school sweetheart, Becky Snyder. They owned and operated White Water Express in Riggins, then sold the business and moved to the Wood River Valley. This past May, KC rowed his family down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon on a wonderful 19-day adventure.

John "Jack" Flaherty, 80, a Massachusetts native who worked 40 years for Sun Valley Resort, mostly as a talented baker and pastry chef, died Nov. 10 at his Warm Springs home in Ketchum with his wife and four children by his side. A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, Flaherty moved to Sun Valley in 1951 and married Mary Ann Cieslik on Thanksgiving Day in 1952. A kind man, dedicated to his family and community, Jack loved to ski and hike and had a passion for people. He had a beautiful tenor voice and enjoyed doing odd jobs and volunteering in the valley.

Keith Hunt, born in Buhl, moved with his family to Carey as a 7-year-old and began school in a one-room schoolhouse in South Carey. A talented and versatile athlete, Keith and his wife of 56 years, Mary Hunt, worked, loved and lived life for over a half century on their Little Wood farm. He passed away Nov. 15 at the age of 77. Keith excelled in baseball and boxing and served as student president at Carey High School, graduating in 1948. He was an avid supporter of kids in their school activities and, more than once, received Carey School's prestigious "Booster of the Y ear" award.

Leo Peterson, 78, was born with his twin brother on the kitchen table in the Peterson home out Fish Creek near Carey. He grew up as part of a hard-working farm family with his five brothers and five sisters and died Nov. 26 in Ketchum, surrounded by loving family. Leo and his wife, Marlene, were married 55 years. They raised four children on a farm south of Carey where Leo grew hay, grain and corn for his dairy cows. He worked hard in the Kraft cheese factory and the county road crew. Spending his life hunting, fishing and trapping, Leo knew the Carey country like the back of his hand. He was on the Carey Rodeo Committee and Flood Control Committee, and was assistant water master of Little Wood River Reservoir District.

Robert "Barney" Bell, 84, a Hailey native who served with distinction in the 10th Mountain Division Ski Troops on the Apennine front in Italy during World War II, died Nov. 29 in Twin Falls. Barney received the Bronze Star for Courage during his military service. He moved to Sun Valley in 1946 where he met the love of his life, Shirley Mulick from Omaha. They were married in 1947 and raised three children. An avid outdoorsman and skier, Barney worked for Union Pacific, owned Valley Security and worked at the Sun Valley Post Office until his retirement. He loved riding his horse, Brigham, in the Wagon Days Parade next to the Big Hitch.

Carl Praeger, 50, of Ketchum, a well-known Sun Valley ski instructor and endurance athlete originally from Seattle, died peacefully in his sleep Dec. 9 after a long and difficult battle with cancer. A lifeguard by profession, he spent 22 years managing Elkhorn's two swimming pools. He had a great love of working and helping customers at the Gold Mine, Ketchum's thrift store that helps support the Community Library. Carl regularly finished among the top athletes in the Boulder Mountain Ski Tour and Baldy Hill Climb. He was honored last year by leading the traditional Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade at Sun Valley, and this year's parade was dedicated to him.




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