Burnell “Barney” Willis, 78, of Athol, passed away June 29, 2013, in Coeur d’Alene. Barney was born on Oct. 3, 1934, in Los Angeles, Calif., to Jesse and Lucille (Montgomery) Willis. He spent most of his young life in Porterville, Calif., until his family moved to Brentwood, Calif. Barney met his wife, Ina Zachery, in Brentwood where they were married in 1955. Barney and Ina had three children, daughters Debra and Cindy, and son Randy.

Barney worked most of his life in commercial construction as a shingler/roofer with the last of his career working for Boise Cascade in Post Falls until the plant closed. Barney and Ina moved to Athol in 1972 to be closer to family. Fishing was his favorite pastime and fly fishing became his passion. He tied his own flies and taught many people the art of fly-fishing and fly-tying.

Barney is survived by his loving wife, Ina; his daughter, Debra Gatherer of Oaksdale, Wash.; son Randy Willis of Spirit Lake; son-in-law Joseph Whitaker Sr. of Athol; brother Burt (Rosie) Willis of Athol; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Barney was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Lucille; sister Ora Clifton and daughter Cindy Whitaker in September 2012.

Barney requested that no services be held. Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Barney’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.