Clairel Vernon Huddleston, 75, Weippe

   Clairel V. (Vern) Huddleston of Weippe was born Dec. 6, 1934 in Grants Pass, OR to Perry and Eva Huddleston and passed away Tuesday, June 15, 2010 in Lewiston. He was 75.

   Vern grew up in Grants Pass, OR and the northern California area.

   In 1962, Vern married Patricia Jordan in Fortuna, CA, where they began their family of six children. For the next 35 years Vern worked in the woods and worked as a diesel mechanic, truck driver and millwright. Vern was a very skilled welder and fabricator. In 1997 he retired from Blue Lake Forest Products in Arcata, CA.

   After retiring from Blue Lake Forest Products and after the passing of his wife, he moved to Weippe in 1997 at the age of 62. Vern’s hobby was work. He couldn’t sit still so he came out of retirement in 1997, bought a logging truck and became owner/operator of his truck for several years.

   Once he sold his truck, he worked for various logging outfits in and around Clearwater County until he was 74 years old.

   Vern enjoyed hunting with his sons in the backwoods of Clearwater County. When Vern wasn’t working he enjoyed his retirement traveling the northwest for the next 13 years with his companion, Minnie Weidner to include a trip to Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Cody, Wyoming, Glacier Park and the Grand Canyon until his diagnosis of cancer. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

   Vern was preceded in death by his parents, six sisters, and five brothers, along with his wife of 32 years, Patricia Ruth Huddleston.

   He is survived by his four sons and twin daughters, Perry and Misha Huddleston of St. Maries, Larry and Dawn Huddleston of Weippe, Gary Huddleston of Weippe, Jerry Huddleston of Grants Pass, Christine Huddleston of Clarkston, WA and Cheryl and Mike Currin of Lewiston; 12 grandchildren, Katie, Bryan, Cambria, Nikki, Bradley, Jerry, Macy, Justin, Meggan, Devin, Allyson and Michelle; three great grandchildren, Ciarra, Hailey and Myiah; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

   Vern is also survived by his companion of 13 years, Minnie Weidner of Weippe.

   Hours before his passing he was told that he was the greatest dad in the whole wide world. Vern had a sparkle in his eye, a smirk on his face and he said, “I knew that.” Vern/Dad was the last and youngest of 12 brothers and sisters, ending a 75 year generation. As all heroes and inspirations, he will be missed and never forgotten by all his family and friends. God Bless you, Daddy.

   There will be no services, per his wishes.

Leona Crouch memorial service June 25

   Memorial services for Leona Crouch will be held on Friday, June 25 at 11 a.m. at Lewis-Clark Memorial Gardens, 3521 7th Street in Lewiston.