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Merchant Memorial Group, Clarkston, WA (2025)

08/26/2025

Linda Dows Hamilton Carr, of Lewiston, passed away Thursday, July 10, 2025, with family by her side at the age of 96. She is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Don A. Carr.

She was born April 7, 1929, in Pasadena, Calif., to Elizabeth (Cooksey) and William Hamilton, having one younger sister, Jane V. Hamilton Watson. When she was a child, the family moved to New Haven, Conn., and she remembered going through the Panama Canal. She was raised in New Haven until she attended Mills College in Oakland, Calif.

One summer, Linda went to a dude ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyo. She met Firth Womack and they were married in 1948 in California. They lived in Bismarck, N.D., for several years before moving to the ranch in Salmon, Idaho, where they lived for about six years. During their marriage, they had three daughters: Neita, Dee and Kathy. The couple divorced and Linda moved to Bozeman, Mont., with her daughters and met Don Allen Carr from Wilsall, Mont.

Linda and Don Carr were married on Aug. 10, 1957, in Bozeman. They had a daughter, Niki, while living in Montana. In 1960, the couple moved to her Salmon ranch, where they lived and worked until 1965. They both worked hard building up their ranch and learned recordkeeping from the University of Idaho. Besides rounding up cows and driving tractors, Linda baked cookies and cooked meals for her family, as well as sewing clothes for her girls (not her favorite thing). Every Easter, she dressed up her girls complete with hats, gloves and purses, taking them to church, which was very memorable for the young daughters living out in the middle of nowhere.

The couple sold their Salmon ranch and bought land on Harris Ridge near Kooskia, where they lived and worked their cattle ranch for more than 50 years, eventually building it up to about 3,000 acres.

She enjoyed the hands-on and physical aspects of running a working cattle ranch, including working on horseback and helping to pull calves and cooking meals for hired help during hay season. They kept about a dozen horses and about 200 beef cows, growing their own hay for winter feed.

Linda loved to celebrate holidays and made sure her family participated. She decorated her house beautifully and set a lovely table with all of the trimmings. At Christmas, she worked diligently baking cookies and fudge to give away to neighbors as gifts. She loved throwing parties and the Kooskia Saddlier meetings at her house were popular. Linda also loved taking her family swimming in the summer to her favorite beach, Number 1. During winter, she loved to sled and toboggan.

Don and Linda were members of the Backcountry Horsemen and the Kooskia Saddliers. They enjoyed going on yearly trail rides, plus when they were younger, participating in gymkanas. They were members of the Cattlemen’s Association and she was in the Cowbelles. She also was a member of the Red Hat Society in Kamiah.

When their children were young and involved with 4-H, she was an assistant leader with the horse group. In her younger years, she especially enjoyed horseback riding and for years, the couple spent many evenings dancing at a number of venues both in Salmon and in Kooskia. She instilled in her daughters the love of music and dancing. Her husband, Don, enjoyed dancing and having fun.

In 2016, the couple sold their ranch and moved to Lewiston to settle in the Royal Plaza.

At Royal Plaza, she enjoyed participating in trivia contests and exercise classes and attending weekly lunches out. She started a poker group.

Linda was a wonderful mom and taught her daughters to be independent thinkers and work hard. Besides being a tough, dependable ranch hand, she helped Don with organizing the bookkeeping and ranch work which improved the efficiency of the operation. She loved the cows as much as her husband. Don and Linda were a beautiful couple both mentally and physically. Linda looked great for date nights, much different from the gal with a cowboy hat, jeans, chaps and cowboy boots. Her favorite song was “Don’t Fence Me In.” Her family and friends will miss her spirit.

She is survived by her four daughters: Neita V. Carr, Dorcas L. Carr, Katharine E. Huntley (Jack) and Narissa J. Clark (Bill Wells); her four grandchildren: Cooper H. Carothers (Anne Dowling), daughter Avery, Anna Huntley H***y (Lance Elliot), daughters Anteia, Ava and sons Aiden, Asher, Taylor F. Huntley, son Brayden, and daughter Roxie and Whit FF Lann (Kelli) daughters Avalee, Cienna.

Linda’s deceased sister Jane V. Hamilton Watson had three children, Penelope Y. Landa, Alexander H. Curtis and Linda B. Borkan.

A memorial for Linda will be held at a later date. The family will announce it in the paper.

08/25/2025

Harry Chinchinian M.D. died Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, at age 99 of heart failure complications due to coronary artery disease. In 1993 he underwent a successful 5-coronary by-pass. He was born of Christian Armenian immigrants, Ohanness and Armen Chinchinian, on March 7, 1926, in upstate New York. His older brother Levon died almost thirty years earlier.

On Sept. 11, 1944, he entered the U.S. Army and became a private in the Infantry. After basic training, he went through the Battle of the Bulge in Germany from January to May, 1945, ending up in Leipzig. Infantry soldiers became a surplus when Germany surrendered and he was sent to California to enter the battle in Japan. While awaiting in California to ship out, the atom bomb was dropped, and after almost two years of military service, he was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant. The G.I. Bill allowed him to attend any college, so in his third year, he selected the University of Basel, Switz., where he pursued pre-med courses in German and French. Skiing became a passion. On returning, he chose the University of Colorado in Boulder to earn the B.A. degree. There he met and proposed to his beautiful, wonderful Mary Corcoran. The paid, regular Ski Patrol at Winter Park, Colo., offered him a short break, after which he went to Mary’s home in Milwaukee, Wis., and they married in August 1952. At Marquette University, he earned an M.S. degree in biology, and an M.D. at the medical school. Two children, Armen and Marjorie, accompanied them for a Rotating Internship at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio. While there, in 1960, a third child, Matthew, was born.

They returned to Milwaukee, and chose pathology, a specialty that required an additional four years training, to certify in both anatomical and clinical pathology. These two board certifications allowed him to select a practice in St. Joseph’s and Tri-State hospitals, because attending pathologist, Dr. Don Merkeley was leaving. His fellow resident Dr. Carl Koenen agreed to join him in practice, and arrived earlier in 1963, holding a position that required much traveling and consulting to a hospital in Pullman and to Idaho hospitals in Moscow, Orofino, Cottonwood and Grangeville.

In 1967, with the blessing of Hospital Administrators Sister Helen Francis and William Yeats, the two doctors formed the independent “Pathologists’ Regional Laboratory” located in St. Joseph’s Hospital. Tissue analysis and some forensic work were moved to a building next to Tri-State Hospital. Computer analysis of blood components was just beginning, and as an independent lab in St. Joseph’s, the two doctors had no budget constraints. They purchased the most up-to-date medical equipment, assisted greatly by the extraordinary trust and kindness of a local bank manager, Neil Dammarell. Their medical prestige was augmented by appointments as lab inspectors for the College of American Pathologists. This office required formally inspecting and certifying other laboratories, for quality of blood tests and tissue analysis. Without this certification, Medicare and insurance companies would be reluctant to compensate. As a result of their appointments, the doctors became well known as fair and capable Inspectors, and earned the respect of fellow pathologists in the Pacific Northwest.

In 1972, in addition to their medical practice, they were both appointed associate professors by Dean White, at the College of Pharmacy, Wash. State University. For over 30 years, they taught a mandatory (for pharmacy students) 3-credit course, in Human Pathology. After semi-retirement, as a professor, for years, Dr. Chinchinian continued to teach a mandatory 3-credit Human Pathophysiology course at the College of Pharmacy, until the College moved to Spokane. He insisted learning was fun, and tried to project his enthusiasm and deep love of medicine. The students say he succeeded. A few years before he retired, he was given a gift, a gold-framed maxim, by an insightful student, who titled it: “To the Old, Wrinkled One,” which he treasured and shared at his wife’s funeral. It read: “They may see the good you do as self serving. Continue to do good. “They may see your generosity as grandstanding. Continue to be generous. They may see your warm and caring nature as a weakness. Continue to be warm and caring. For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It never was between you and them anyway.”

During practice, Dr. Chinchinian was honored to be elected by his fellow doctors as chief of staff at St. Joseph’s and a few years later, by Doctors at Tri-State Hospital as well. He chaired and participated in multiple hospital committees, including promoting and procuring blood for the independent Lewis-Clark Blood Bank, which served the valley.

Dr. Chinchinian published original research during graduate school, medical school and later, during medical practice. Honors were many. The most pleasing to him came at the 50-Year Practice Award Ceremony in Boise, when the President of the Idaho Medical Society eulogized Dr. Chinchinan as a “solid friend, mentor, and outstanding medical doctor” to the other medical members present.

He stated credit goes to a surgical resident at Marquette, who told him never to worry about making money in medical practice. The surgeon admonished, “If you take care of your patients, your patients will take care of you.” Dr. Chinchinian followed this precept and often didn’t charge a fee. Soon, he noticed he was being offered many acres of land, buildings and partnerships — all of which he refused. When he watched the same offerings sell shortly after, for double the prices, he asked a friend-patient the reason for such a huge discount and was firmly told, “You are one of us.” “But I can’t be,” Dr. Chinchinian answered. “I’m from a very grey city in New York State.” “Never mind,” came the reply, “We watched you and your family. You are one of us. I know if I need you, you will come.” He tried to make this statement his creed. He was a doctor first; a specialist second. If they needed him, he’d be there. And he never needed a reminder that it was a pure luck that allowed him to set up a private pathology practice in the friendly Lewiston-Clarkston Valley.

Plum Tree Press was founded to publish his many stories and essays, which included four medical mysteries, a double volume autobiography, many children’s books based on his grandchildren’s exploits, with scattered whimsical drawings and paintings throughout. His wife Mary was always full of fun and the family’s rock of support without whom, he could not have achieved anything near to what he did. Her contagious love of horses and animals became a way of life. She bought her husband his first horse, laughingly named him “Crummy Andrew” because of his appearance. Crummy was like an overgrown puppy who gave tremendous loyalty, his best efforts and total devotion. After Crummy died, Mary bought him a much younger Arabian gelding named “Anar,” who became similarly untiring, loyal and dedicated. Anar and Harry had fun winning the 60 mile Competitive Endurance Ride in Hamilton, Mont. Besides Harry’s Award, a special silver plaque as “Best Horse” was given to Anar. Harry always said, this endurance ride, a timed competition, was, once again, really won by the sensible advice and guidance of his horse-savvy wife, Mary.

In the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley, he rode as a member of the Mounted Sheriff’s Posse. Later, he was elected a Director and later President, of the Lewiston Roundup. His service on various Roundup committees included setting up the yearly Lewiston Roundup Parade, proudly adding new riding slots for the future Governors of Idaho, starting with Governor Cecil Andrus, not only in the parades but in the Grand Entries of the Roundup Rodeo.

His beloved Mary Corcoran Chinchinian died in August 2017, after 65 years of marriage. Surviving are their daughters Armen, Marjorie and Matthew; grandchildren Annie Symms, Olivia Brassey, Harry Kyle Chinchinian, Heather Lenz, Holly Floyd, Nathan Brown, Nick Brown; great-grandchildren Lavender, Shane, Roland, Tyson (Symms); Evie, Mary and Andrew (Brassey); Eli and Audree (Chinchinian); Isabelle, Sam and Brian (Lenz); Archie (Brown); and Sterling (Floyd).

Arrangements will be made at Merchant Funeral Home to have his body cremated.

A memorial service for Harry will be held later this fall.

08/21/2025

April 29, 1963 — Aug. 15, 2025

———

Fay Lynn Liedkie was born April 29, 1963, to Bobby and Virginia Petersen. She joined her three older sisters and moved frequently in her younger years to various ranches in several small towns in Oregon.

She spent her childhood riding horses, picking fruit, working in restaurant her parents owned, riding motorcycles and spending as much time outdoors as she could. She graduated from Spray High School in 1981.

She moved to Clarkston to continue her employment at Steelman Duff Inc., where she worked for many years doing office work. She then began employment at Arlo Industries for a brief period, before settling as office manager at Western Construction, where she worked up to her last days. We would like to give a heartfelt appreciation to her boss Case Stedham for being a “one of a kind” boss, especially in the last two years of employment. Your compassion and understanding during the most difficult season she had ever experienced.

Fay enjoyed spending time with friends and some of her favorite memories are of camping trips with friends and her kids while they were in school, float trips on the St. Joe and Clearwater Rivers, traveling, but most of all she enjoyed being anywhere her four grandsons were. Being a grandma was her greatest joy in life. She was deeply devoted to her family and spent much of her time attending various sporting/school events for her grandchildren, who brought her immense pride and happiness in life.

Fay was preceded in death by her parents, Bobby and Virginia, and her older sister Gail Petersen.

She is survived by her sisters Diane Petersen and Jean Petersen; her children Lindsey (Bobby) Barcus and John (Savannah) Liedkie; stepchildren Brett (Hannah), Curt (Mandy) and Shalie (Chris); grandchildren JJ, Aiden, Beau, Carter, Austin, Hunter, Madison and Kristen.

08/20/2025

I always said Adam ran on his own time and usually was late, but this time he was too damn early. Adam Joshua Riggs passed away Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, at his home in Asotin.

Adam was born to Kathy Riggs, May 15, 1979, in Caldwell. They moved to Lewiston, Kathy’s hometown in 1980. He thrived here with the undivided attention from his grandmother, Mary Riggs. He attended schools in Lewiston, graduating in 1997. He was practically raised at Lewiston Rehab and Care Center while his mother was at work and also worked there himself during high school. This is where Adam’s love and compassion for seniors began. He eventually went to Job Corps and learned the cement trade.

After returning from Job Corps, he found work in Orofino and met his future wife Francie Rains. They moved back to Lewiston and on Halloween 2003 Carter Joshua was born. He was the spitting image of his dad and the apple of his eye. Eight years later Samuel Dustin was born and captured his Dad’s heart. The family eventually moved to Asotin and Adam adapted to the small-town life, collecting chickens, ducks and cats. He could never turn away an animal. He recently went to the shelter and adopted the oldest cat there because he knew no one else would take it. He worked for Bob at Fineline Lawn Services until it became too hard physically. Adam then found a perfect job as senior maintenance at Tullamore Senior Apartments. The staff and residents loved him and he loved working with seniors again.

Adam is survived by his mother Kathy Riggs, of Lewiston, his wife Francie, sons Carter and Sam, of Asotin, his bonus daughter Piper, of Billings, Mont., and his uncles Mac, of Clarkston, and Dan, of Winston-Salem, N.C. Also cousins Dustin, Ryan and Shane and good friends Dave, Chris and Ken.

Adam never knew a stranger and has more friends than anyone could count. He was always the first one to volunteer to help no matter what it was. He always knew how to fix things, even if he had never seen it before. Much to his mother’s exasperation Adam was a collector of junk or treasures as he called them. He filled her garage and beyond because he never knew when he might need something. And he usually had what anyone needed. Adam was a kind man, devoted to family and friends and will be missed by many.

A celebration of life will be held from 3-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, at the Hells Canyon Boat Club, 2550 Riverside Drive, Clarkston. We hope that you can join us, have a bite and tell your Adam story because we know there are so many to hear.

08/19/2025

Donna Jean Jones, of Asotin, peacefully passed away Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025, of natural causes at the age of 97, at her daughter Bev and Bob Jungert’s home. She was born Nov. 28, 1927, to Erb and Annie Blankinship on the family’s Asotin County sheep ranch up Charlie Creek. She was the last of nine children.

At the age of 15, she started working at Eddie’s Malt Shop in Lewiston. Over the years she also worked at the Y-B soda fountain in Lewiston, Alice’s Cafe and the Gateway Inn in Asotin. She retired in 1989. Mom loved being a waitress, she loved all the regulars who came into the restaurant and they all gave her a bad time and teased her. In 1942 she was a princess for the Asotin County Fair, and Mom and Dad were Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus for the Asotin Christmas parade.

She married Dean Jones on Oct. 25, 1947, in Lewiston, and had five children. She was the rock of the family. Our mom was so much fun, so beautiful, always had to get her hair done every Thursday, wore the brightest prettiest tops (usually pink), lots of jewelry, rings on every finger, bright dangling earrings and even a toe ring. She loved having the whole family together for Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners, Fourth of July barbecues (sorry for almost burning the house down!), tea parties with the great-grandgirls, and supported all the sport activities that her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren participated in.

Our mom was the best — she was so funny, beautiful, happy all the time, loving, caring, helpful, so friendly to everyone, never in a bad mood, made the best cinnamon rolls, so precious to all of us. She loved our big, crazy family and we will miss her so much.

She is survived by her sons: David Jones and Mike Jones (Darla); daughters: Bev Jungert (Bob) and Marilyn Keener; grandchildren: Bobbi Spencer, Dan Jungert, Kevin Jones, Jennifer Anderson, Darrell Keener, Valerie Keener, Todd Brown, Teah Laviolette, Kassie Randall and Anthony Brown; 27 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. Donna also has a niece, Teresa Rosholt, who was just like a daughter to her.

She was preceded in death by her husband Dean in 2001; daughter Sharon Hayes in 2021; grandsons: Brett Keener in 2013 and Kasey Jones in 2021; and daughter-in-law Vicki Jones in 2015.

“Mom, we love you so much and we all have a piece of our heart missing now. You will really be missed by all of us.”

Donna’s memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Asotin United Methodist Church, 313 Second St., and a celebration of her life will be held right after the memorial at the Asotin Lions Club, 118 Second St., Asotin.

08/12/2025

Daniel Wayne Speck, 74, passed away Friday, July 25, 2025, at his home in Lewiston, after a valiant battle with cancer.

Dan was born June 30, 1951, in Lewiston to Carl and Vera Speck.

Dan worked at the Potlatch Corp. paper mill in Lewiston for 43 years, retiring in July 2014.

An avid outdoorsman, he spent a large amount of time camping at Elk River. His childhood was dominated by long family camping trips where he fell in love with the outdoors. After having a family, his love for the outdoors did not dwindle. He looked forward to taking his family on the annual camping trip up to Elk River.

Dan will be remembered for his larger-than-life sense of humor and warm personality. Everyone who knew him, from coworkers to family friends, was well accustomed to his jokes.

To him, family was not limited to just blood relatives. He loved his family more than anything on Earth, except maybe his spice rack. He loved cooking for anyone who stopped by and everyone was welcome at his dinner table.

He is survived by his wife Joanne Speck (Tarola), his children Daniel E. Speck and Kathryn Daly, his grandchildren Evan Daly, and Austin and Jordyn Speck. He is also survived by his sisters Debra Bower and Margaret Cyrus.

Dan was preceded in death by his mother Vera Speck (Peavey) and his father, Carl Speck, and his sisters Marlene and Valerie.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dan’s name to VFW Post 10043 in Lewiston.

A celebration of life will be held from 1-4 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 12, at the Lewiston VFW Hall, 1104 Warner Ave., Lewiston. All are welcome to attend, share stories and honor Dan’s memory.

08/11/2025

Brian Eugene Tank, 69, of Clarkston, passed away Monday, July 28, 2025, in Clarkston, surrounded by loved ones.

Brian was born on June 27, 1956, in Lewiston, to William Tank and Mary Ann Van Scotter. He attended Clarkston High School (Class of 1974), and went on to attend Lewis-Clark State College, where he earned a welding degree in 1982.

Brian served his country in the United States Navy, beginning bootcamp on Jan. 30, 1975. He was stationed on the USS Norton Sound AVM-1 in Port Hueneme, Calif., for two years and continued his service in the Naval Reserves for four additional years.

After returning home, Brian worked for Morrell and later became a welder for Haskins. In 1988, he began a long career with Potlatch Corporation, working on the pulp and paper side. He retired in 2016 from the powerhouse and recovery. During his time at Potlatch, he served as union president for several years, a role he held with pride and commitment, always advocating for his fellow workers.

Brian loved camping, hunting, fishing and taking road trips with his wife. He also found great joy in coaching Little League Baseball, and he loved spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Christina Tank, of Clarkston; his children: Nathan Tank (Kari), Diane Knewbow (Brandon) and Andrew Tank (Sunday); his grandchildren, Kylee and Marissa Tank, Savannah and Kamryn Gonzales, Teigen Knewbow and Jezzaleyiah, Rhun and Oundre Tank. He is also survived by his stepsister Debi Taylor (Gene), stepbrother Jim Tank, half-brothers Jack Schreiber and Joe Gallegos Jr., and half-sister Vicki Gross, sisters-in-law Shannon Blaine (Tom), Brenda Shipman, Maureen Olson (Guy), and brothers-in-law Eric Asplund (Debbie), and Rick Taylor and multiple nieces and nephews.

Brian was preceded in death by his father, William Tank, and stepmother Helen; his mother, Mary Ann Van Scotter, and his stepfather Joe Gallegos Sr.; and his in-laws Fay and Patricia Garges, as well as his sister-in-law, Theresa Taylor.

Cremation was handled by Merchant Funeral Home of Clarkston. No formal service is planned at this time.

08/09/2025

Adam Lynn Anson, 38, of Asotin, died Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, of drowning, while kayaking on the Snake River. He was born on May 23, 1987, to Norris and Patricia (Hubel) Anson, in Yankton, S.D.

Adam graduated from Ewing (Nebraska) High School in 2005. He later earned an associate degree in auto mechanics from Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston.

Adam married Kelsey Ramsey on April 2, 2010, in Lincoln, Neb. They moved to Washington state later that same year where their son and daughter were born.

Adam worked as a farmhand, in driving jobs (forklift and distribution driver) and for Diversified Trucking, for Auto Zone, My Mechanic, Petco, Village Inn and Wayback Cafe.

While growing up in Nebraska, Adam was affiliated with the Church of Christ, in Ewing, and active in Cub Scouts. Adam loved to spend time on the water kayaking and fishing the rivers near his Asotin home.

Mourning Adam’s sudden passing is his wife Kelsey Anson, of Asotin; son Samuel Anson and daughter Autumn Anson, both of Asotin; mother Pat Anson, of Ewing; brother and sister-in-law, Lester and April Anson, and their children/his niece and nephews: Emma, Blaine and Parker Anson, all of Pierce, Neb.

Adam’s father Norris Anson and one niece, Hope Anson, preceded him in death.

A private viewing will he conducted in Washington, with funeral services scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, in Ewing. A celebration of life event will be held in Asotin at a later date.

If you wish to help support the Anson Family during this time. Click the following link to participate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/rally-for-the-anson-family-in-their-time-of-need

08/08/2025

Chris Robert McFarland, born Dec. 19, 1966, in Lewiston, passed away unexpectedly Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. His absence leaves a space in the hearts of those who loved him, one that can never truly be filled.

Chris graduated from Clarkston High School in 1985 and spent most of his life doing what he loved: working with his hands in construction. He later worked in the oil fields until the COVID-19 pandemic and eventually joined McFarland Trucking LLC, where he continued until his eyesight made it too difficult to safely be behind the wheel.

In 2000, Chris settled in Coeur d’Alene, where he built a life full of laughter, service and unforgettable stories. He was the kind of man who never hesitated to lend a hand, whether it was shoveling snow for a neighbor, fixing someone’s car, helping with yardwork, or buying a meal for a stranger in need. He gave what he had and always gave from the heart. Chris loved his family deeply, and the kids always brought out the softest side of him. He had a way of making life feel fun and safe, especially for the little ones. He truly earned the nickname “Baby Whisperer.” Babies would stop crying the moment he held them. There was something so comforting about him. Whether he was rocking a baby to sleep, cracking a joke or just being present, he had a calming energy that made the kids feel at ease and completely loved. He had a quick wit, a deep laugh and a gift for making people feel welcome and appreciated. Chris found peace at the lake in the summertime and joy in the simple things: family, faith, food and funny stories.

Chris is survived by Michelle Salas, the mother of his children and someone who remained a steady part of his life.

He is also survived by son, Benjamin McFarland and his significant other, Brooklyn, and their children Makenna Lenae and Connor Adam; daughter Stormey McFarland and her children Riley Robert James, Ayla Ariana and Kayden Lewis; bonus daughter Ashley Salas and her children Taitum Renee and Hunter Issac; siblings: Russell, Randy, Kevin, Kyle, Carisa and Jeremy; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews who loved him dearly and will carry his memory with them always.

Chris was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Roberta McFarland, his brother Cary, his grandfather Ben and his nephew Brandon McFarland.

A private family viewing will be held at Merchant’s Funeral Home in Clarkston. A graveside service to honor and remember Chris will follow at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at Vineland Cemetery in Clarkston. Please join us in remembering the man who gave so much of himself to others. His memory lives on in the kindness he showed, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave so freely.

08/07/2025

On July 26, 2025, Dan Grassl passed away peacefully at Avalon Progressive Care in Clarkston, Washington at the age of 89. He was born October 20, 1935, to Veronica and Mike Grassl in Estacada, Oregon. He joined one sister and three brothers. When he was six, the family moved to Uniontown, Washington where he attended Catholic grade school. They moved to Moscow, Idaho where he lettered in basketball before graduating from Moscow High School.

Dan enlisted and spent two years in the Army as a tank driver and marksman. On
September 2, 1959, he married Lynda Niemann of Pomeroy, Washington. Together,
they farmed with her parents and then on their own until 1989 when they moved to PostFalls, Idaho. They returned to Clarkston in 2006 to be closer to their grandchildren.

Dan was a master woodworker, proud 4-H and FFA supporter and enjoyed watching his kids’ and grandkids’ sporting events.

Dan is survived by his wife Lynda, two sons; Tim (Jessie) Grassl of Eugene, OR and
Tom Grassl of Post Falls, ID. Two daughters; Teresa (John) Morbeck, Tammy Schmidt
of University Place, WA and a brother; Laurence (Carol) Grassl of Nampa, ID. He was a
proud grandpa to 8 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Clarkston, Wednesday
August 13, 2025 at 11:00 am. Interment will be in Spokane at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Dan's honor to Holy Family Catholic School or charity of your choosing.

08/04/2025

Russell Guy Rimel died in his home in Lewiston, on Saturday, July 12, 2025. He wasn’t crowded with visitors in the end, just a close friend or two, but knowing Russ that hardly meant he was alone. He never found a stranger in this world, and even in the hush, he was surrounded by the memory of every voice, every laugh, every handshake he ever shared.

Born on July 15, 1946, Russ died three days shy of his 79th birthday. The oldest child and first son of Dwight Rimel and Marylee Roberts, Russ was born in Enterprise, Ore. Growing up so far out in the country the city had to pump daylight to them. Raised with a firm understanding of both hard work and humor, he made it through most of high school before an altercation with the principal led him to determine that some things are not worth learning — and some people not worth learning from.

When the occasion called, Russ enlisted in the U.S. Army. When asked about his time in the service he didn’t offer much response, simply that he was a door gunner. He served his country, doing a tough job without complaint, the same way he did everything else.

Russ held different labels during his working years, but the one that stuck — the only one that mattered to him — Cowboy. He cowboyed in various capacities throughout his life: an angus ranch in Montana, several years in a few of the local ranching outfits in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley, a cattle company, a feedlot, a brand inspector and the sale yard. Chance and opportunity didn’t always keep him in the saddle, but even when working at the Lewiston Vet Clinic, an auto body shop, or the four years he owned a bar, it seemed his clientele was always the same: wild things with hair. As sure and steady as Russ was, his hands were never idle — and Cowboy was always his title.

Preceded in death by his mother and father, his brothers Greg and Logan, grandparents, uncles, cousins and aunts who would tan your hide as fast as they would cure it. He missed them all, but none so much as his best girl, his partner, his Pam. She hit the trail back in August of 2024, but there’s no doubt he’s caught up to her by now. Pamela Merrill might’ve been quick to turn three, but Russ was head-over-boots for that girl since their first dance, and even in death, he wasn’t about to let her ride too far ahead.

Russ is survived by all the folks he offered his smile to, and he’ll be dearly missed by all the ones who chose to keep it.

’Ol Rimel said he doesn’t do “marials or burials.” He didn’t want anyone boo-hooing over a pricey oak display case. He told us to remember him as the ornery bastard that he always was. In lieu of a get-together, please share your memories by emailing paintbrushprose@gmail.com.

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