Cover photo for Garland "Ike" Bews's Obituary

Garland "Ike" Bews

October 28, 1916 — November 15, 2021

Garland "Ike" Bews

Garland “Ike” Bews, 105 Garland “Ike” Bews, 105, of Post Falls, Idaho, passed away on November 15th , 2021, at the Schneidmiller House in Coeur d’ Alene Idaho. Ike to all his relatives and friends was born October 28th, 1916, in Cornucopia, Oregon, to William and Sarah Bews.

Cornucopia was an old mining town built during the gold rush mining boom of the 1880’s and was abandoned in 1942. It is now a primary tourist attraction as a ghost town. In 1920 at the age of four, Ike’s family relocated to Star Idaho, where Ike attended elementary school in a one room schoolhouse. He played many sports and excelled in basketball and baseball while in high school. During this time Ike with brothers Albert, Ernie, Bill, Chet, Phil and sisters Gladys, and Dorothy lived in a “shiplap” (1X10 boards) hand-built house with “a great view of the outdoors” seen between the planks. A tent attached to a wooden frame behind the house provided sleeping quarters for the older kids. A “privy” sat precariously at an appropriate distance. An old faithful “Franklyn” stove provided warmth in the cold winter months.

After graduation at the age of 18, Ike followed his brother Bill to Mountain City Nevada to work in a copper mine. As Ike told the story, “You had to be 21 to work there.” “I told them I was 22.” “They didn’t believe me but gave me a job.” “They took a chance on me.”

Ike then made his way back to Star Idaho where he married his childhood sweetheart, Nettie Brown, on November 1st, 1940. Ike continued to be a miner traveling to Elko Nevada, and Grass Valley, California, where he went to work in the Banner Mines. He worked about 400 feet below ground mining for high grade gold and silver earning $4.40 a day.

Ike saved his money and in a couple of years decided to invest in a 135- pound chain saw and enlisted his brother Chet to go into the logging business. He and Chet worked with several logging companies in Oregon and the state of Washington. In 1943 Ike was drafted into the United States Army but before reporting to duty, was given a reprieve by the draft board. Ike was considered the best of the best logger and was contributing to the World War ll effort in the lumber industry. A much-needed product at the time.

In December of 1948, much to their delight, daughter Deeana was born in Morton, a small logging community in Washington State. Ike and Nettie eventually relocated to Quincy Washington, where Ike tried his hand in farming for a couple of years while also working at the Boise Cascade Lumber Company. Long hours and hard work were his way of life. It gave him great pleasure to have helped his young nephew Ron Bews (Janice) to secure a job there and work with him side by side. Uncle and nephew forever bonded. As Ron would say, “he was always there for me”. In 1969 Atlas Lumber Mill offered “a good job”, so Ike and Nettie made a move to Hayden Lake and then to Post Falls Idaho. Ike retired in 1981 at the age of 65. He credits his hard work in logging and mining to his long and storied life. Of course, Nettie’s home cooking had a lot to do with it. Nobody baked a cake or canned fruits and jam like Nettie.

Ike enjoyed many hobbies, excelling in fishing, hunting, golf and bowling. He was a legend horseshoe thrower. He challenged other “shoe throwers” at the young old age of 95. Most found him a challenge to pitch against, he was that good as evidenced by his many trophies and accumulated accolades. He enjoyed the camaraderie of his horseshoe throwing “buddies”. When he became painfully aware that he could no longer pitch at age 96, he and Nettie would spend an afternoon at the “pits” cheering on the gang. Ike and Nettie also enjoyed towing a “fifth wheel” trailer to Quartzite and Yuma Arizona which Ike skillfully pulled behind his trusty 1979 Ford F150 pickup.

Ike was known for his gentle and quiet manner. A loving husband and father whose kind words endeared him to all. Never an unkind word.

Ike is preceded in death by his loving wife Nettie, who passed away at the age of 98 on January 23rd, 2017. Ike and Nettie had been married for 76 years. Never wavering in their commitment to each other. Determined to save every penny they earned. Do not buy unless needed and pay cash only. A tribute to their generation.

Ike is survived by his devoted daughter Deeana Harris(Tony). Granddaughter Lori Brodie, (the other bright light of his life) (Kirk) and great grandson Maxsim, whom at the age of 15 is following in the family tradition as a rising basketball star burning up those hoops in Colorado. Ike had many stories to tell and shared them with his several nieces and nephews through the years. All adored their uncle Ike. He was a man whose morality ran deep, a quiet man, who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. Whose integrity would rub off on you if you got close enough. Ike and Nettie, hand in hand, walking that “bridge across forever”, together again.

No services will be held. In lieu of flowers please donate to Hospice of North Idaho in the spirit and life of our beloved Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Uncle, and a truly great friend.

English Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit Ike’s online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Garland "Ike" Bews, please visit our flower store.

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