Bertman Donald Bower

Bertman Donald "Bert" Bower, 89, of Hayden, Idaho, peacefully passed away on September 19, 2026, surrounded by family and friends.

Bert was born August 16, 1937, in Butte, Montana, to Bertman Leslie Bower and Nellie Greenup Bower. Raised among the mining communities of western Montana and northern Idaho, he completed his education in Mullan, Idaho, where he met and married his high school sweetheart, Karen.

In 1959, Bert moved to Alaska, where he raised a family and built a life working in a variety of fields, including the railroad, warehousing, and other areas of business. Alaska became an important chapter in his life and a natural home for someone who loved the outdoors. Later in life, Bert returned to northern Idaho to retire, eventually settling in Hayden.

An avid outdoorsman, Bert loved hunting, fishing, and exploring the world around him. He was at home on the waters of Alaska and the lakes and streams of the Northwest. He also enjoyed simply taking a drive through the countryside, especially in the fall when the tamarack trees turned brilliant yellow.

Bert was generous with his time, loyal to the people he cared about, and always willing to lend a hand. He was also fiercely independent and determined to do things his own way, a quality he maintained to the very end.

Family and friendships were especially important to Bert. He made a point of staying connected, and those who knew him could count on a phone call, a conversation, or an offer to help. He was especially close to his lifelong friends Lee, Jane, and Bonnie, and his dear friend Helen. Their friendship, care, and companionship meant a great deal to Bert and his family.

Bert was the father of three sons. He is survived by his sons, Dohn Bower and son-in-law, Dan Bryant of Fountain Inn, South Carolina, and Gary Bower and his wife, Suzanne, of Hayden, Idaho; his grandchildren, Gary Bower Jr. of Hayden and Laura Hansman and her husband, John, of Tumwater, Washington; and his great-grandson Zachary in Tumwater.

He was preceded in death by his former wife, Karen, who passed away in 1995; his son, Dean Bower, who passed away in 2023; his parents; his brother, Donald; and his sisters, Vera, Elsie, Daisy, Bessie, Loraine, Ina, June, Ann, and Velda.

Bert will be remembered by the many family members and friends whose lives he touched and by those fortunate enough to have shared a conversation, a meal, a day on the water, or an adventure on the road with him.

A celebration of life will be scheduled at a future date.