Roy F. Bjaaland, of Coeur d'Alene, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones on Monday, July 18, 2011.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather and Christian, Roy was born in a house located on Mullan Street in Coeur d'Alene on Aug. 29, 1918, to Fritzoff and Inga Bjaaland. Roy enlisted in the United States Army in 1935 and the United States Marine Corp. in 1942. He rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant where he served our country in the Pacific Theater in World War II, including the battle for Midway Island.

After returning home to Coeur d'Alene he married Lovie Virginia Hill and worked in the timber industry until retirement in 1980. He taught Sunday School and led the church choir for numerous years where he touched the lives of many children and adults teaching them about the love of God. He asked everyone he came in contact with if they knew about Jesus... and if you didn't he was happy to share the word of God with you. He always let his light shine!

Even though his favorite baseball team was the Philadelphia Phillies he enjoyed watching the Seattle Mariners, even when they are losing and didn't miss a Gonzaga men's basketball game. He spent his golden years devoted to his savior Jesus Christ, his church family and his 14 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lovie Bjaaland; brothers Connie, Lloyd and Hank Bjaaland; sister Dorothy and son Dennis Jerome.

Roy is survived by his grandchildren, Mark and Shelley Jerome, Frank and Sheree Davis, Tim Rostkoski, Darren Jerome and Steven Jerome; his great-grandchildren, Christopher and Kenzy, Jacob, La'Rae and Chris, Mellisa and Corey, Matthew, Joshua and Christian; and great-great-grandchildren Presley, Reese and Emery. Also a special thanks to his loving caregiver Debby Dial and his close neighbors Mike and Diane; David and Laurie Miller and their awesome children.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, 2011, at The Lighthouse Church, 1583 W. Dalton Ave., Coeur d'Alene.