Dennis Walker, 68

Former Post Falls resident Dennis Walker, 68, passed away June 4, 2011, at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane due to complications from open heart surgery.

Denny was born Dec. 7, 1942, in Coeur d'Alene to George and Anne Walker. Growing up, he and his brothers and sister all helped their parents run the family dairy farm. He graduated from Post Falls High School, married Post Falls resident Sandra Nielsen, and served in the Army Reserves.

Denny was a cowboy at heart, and spent his life working in the ranching and farming industries. His work as a ranch hand took him and his family to Wyoming, Montana, Washington, Idaho and North Dakota. He was also a livestock brand inspector in Idaho and a farm supply store manager in Washington. Denny was also a master leather craftsman who built high quality saddles and other riding gear.

Other hobbies included attending, working at or competing in rodeos, writing cowboy poetry and fishing. He was happiest when he was riding the rugged range on his horse with his trusty cow dog, Mary, trotting alongside. Above all, he was a loyal husband and father whose family and faith in God were the most important aspects of his life.

Denny is survived by his wife, Sandra; his four daughters and their spouses, Cherie' and Bud Vidovich of Hayden, Teasha Walker and Stacy Doty of Charleston, Ill., Sharmon and Keith Becker of Cottonwood, Mysti Walker and Kip Burden of Boise; nine grandchildren and brothers Gary, Ron and Dick Walker.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Anne Walker and his sister, Betty Anderson.

Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 11, 2011, at English Funeral Chapel, Post Falls.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Prairie High School Rodeo Team, c/o Cottonwood Community Federal Credit Union, P.O. Box 507, Cottonwood, ID 83522.