Charles Lester Haag, 74, Orofino

   Charles Lester Haag, Orofino, passed away peacefully Saturday, July 10, 2010 with his children and loving nurses by his side, after his courageous battle with cancer. He was 74.

   He was born at home in Clarkston, WA on Oct 9, 1935 to Victor and Velva Cate Haag. He attended grade school at Weaskus Grade School in North Lewiston and graduated from Lewiston High School in 1953.

   Charles served in the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1958 as a Radar Operator. He went in with his two best friends Spence Campbell and Roy Clark; the three were inseparable and had many adventures together. They have managed to stay in touch throughout the years and remain good friends.

   He married Linda Irene Dalberg, May 21, 1960 in Coeur d’ Alene at the infamous Hitching Post. They were married 50 years and were best friends to the end. They remained in the area moving to Culdesac where they raised four children.

   Charles loved anything to do with the outdoors and encouraged all his children to “get up and go!” He worked for the Camas Prairie Railroad for 33½ years, most of which was on the bridge crew. He made life long friends at the railroad, retiring in September of 1997.

   Charlie had a passion for clocks. Everyone who knew him about this hobby one time or another brought him one that needed repaired. He loved going to yard sales, auctions and flea markets looking for the one clock he did not have. Over the years he collected over 200 clocks and they all chimed a different sound. They all were set to go off at different times so by the time the last one went off it was time for the first one to start again. From repairing to building new ones from scratch, he truly became a master of the trade.

   Linda and Charles moved to Orofino in 1983 after the children left home. He loved anything that involved family and camping was one of his favorites. He soon became the official “camp cook” at their Moose Creek hunting camp. He especially had a love for baseball and volunteered for many tournaments including the Trevor Haag Memorial Tournament in honor of his grandson. He was also the announcer for the Orofino High School as well as the American Legion Baseball teams. Up to his death, he had baseball on the TV keeping up with the Seattle Mariners!

   He was also known as “Papa Charlie” to many who adopted him as their father/grandfather. His strong faith in the Lord has carried him on to be with his beloved wife Linda who left us on May 2, 2010.

   Charles is survived by daughters, Diana Haag, Orofino, Holly and Ramiro Sosa, Miami, FL, Denise and Stephen Duren, Weiser; son Tracy and Annette Haag, Orofino; brother Rick and Jeannie Haag, Lewiston; sister Marlene and Bill Stellmon, Lewiston; seven grandchildren, Shantel, Nathan, Justin, Grayson, Shae, Christopher and Samantha; two great-grandchildren and his best friend Dutch; brother-in-law Larry and Maryellen Dalberg, Alaska and several nieces and nephews.

   He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Velva Haag; grandson Trevor and wife Linda.

   Our father, brother, grandpa, papa will be deeply missed and remembered for his strong faith in the Lord, his helping hand and kind heart and positive attitude.

   Funeral services will be held July 31 at 1 p.m. at Pine Hills Funeral Chapel in Orofino with a potluck to follow at the VFW Hall.

   In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Haag Family Memorial Fund at US Bank, P.O. Box 1240, Orofino, ID 83544.

John Mathews memorial service

   Memorial services for John (Jack) Mathews will take place Friday, July 30 at 11 a.m. at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, located at 446 Brown Ave. in Orofino.

Donald Palin, 81, Weippe

    Donald Palin, 81, of Weippe died at his home July 25, 2010.

    A memorial service will be held at a later date. Pine Hills Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements.