Richard Lee Braffett, born Oct. 28, 1957, in Houston, Texas, passed away April 6, 2011, at the Spokane VA hospital where he received the best of care. Rick had endured months of debilitating weakness due to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Rick had served in the U.S. Navy as a nuclear machinist mate. Following that, he worked in the hospitality industry in Orlando, Fla., in hotel and restaurant management. He moved to Coeur d'Alene in 2003 and was employed by the Best Western Coeur d'Alene Inn.

He is survived by his parents, Sandra and Jim Foley; brother Chuck Braffett; sister Lisa Newman; and aunt and uncle Wanda and Michael Hayes. He also has numerous cousins, nieces and nephews in Texas.

His body is now free from his bodily imprisonment. Those wishing can contribute to your local ALS Association in his memory.