William R. Mead, 68

William R. Mead, 68, passed away Wednesday, March 30, 2022, at his home in Hope, Idaho, surrounded by his loving family. A private family service will be held at a later date.

Bill was born on June 19, 1953, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, to Gordon and Alice Mead. Gordon was an engineer for the department of highways in Idaho, giving young Bill the opportunity to visit all parts of the state as he grew up. In 1971, he graduated from Clark Fork High School. Bill served his country in the U.S. Air Force for four years, from 1972 to 1976, before returning home to Hope. In 1975, his daughter Andrea was born during his first marriage.

In 1977, he met Susan Lawson, and the couple were married five months later. Bill was working as a long-haul trucker at the time. In 1985, Bill started his career in the logging industry. That same year, the couple welcomed their daughter Alicia into the world. In 1991, Bill graduated from North Idaho College with a diesel mechanic degree.

Bill was a family man through and through, living a quiet life in a beautiful place. He enjoyed coyote hunting with friends and family. When Alicia became more and more active in softball, so did her dad, from cheering her on in the stands to coaching the team.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Sue; daughters Andrea (David) Mead-Crone and Alicia (Tony) Larsen; five grandchildren, Breanna, Madison, Dylan, Tre’ and Ole; great-granddaughter Jade and a great-grandson on the way; and his brother, Gordon (Carolyn) Mead.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Bill’s online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.