Orlin Galloway passed peacefully July 5, 2013. He was born Jan. 3, 1929, to Thomas Alva and Sylvia Maude Dew Galloway in Lewiston. He grew up in Lapwai and later moved with his family to Huetter. He graduated from Coeur d’Alene High in 1947. He married Shirley Finch in 1950 and had two daughters, Shari and Susan. He later divorced and married Mary Alice Button and spent 33 years with her, only separated by his passing.

Orlin worked in the lumber industry almost his entire life, working in various sawmills including Ohio Match, Diamond International and Louisiana Pacific. He earned his Master Lumber Grader Certificate and later went to work for Louisiana Pacific in charge of their dry kilns. He worked his way up to a position of expertise through research and experimentation, earning the respect of his peers. For more than 30 years Orlin and his wife Mary traveled to Alaska, throughout the Pacific Northwest, parts of Canada and as far south as Louisiana and Texas, for the Louisiana Pacific Corp and they enjoyed exploring and sight-seeing along the way.

After his retirement in 1977, he was still highly sought out for consulting jobs, which he continued to do well into his 80s. He has received many awards for his achievements including the Lumberman’s Hall of Fame from the University of Idaho and also received an honorary degree. He spent time sharing his knowledge of the latest technology and lumber drying methods with the U of I Forestry Department and was a valuable asset for those learning the industry.

Orlin was a lifetime member of the Kootenai County Saddle Club, a member of the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Posse, and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Rebeccas Lodges of Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling and gardening.

Orlin was a quiet sort with a cheerful disposition and a subtle sense of humor. His quips and puns often caught us off guard and when we finally “got” the joke, it surprised us at just how funny he could be! We would laugh and turn to look at him just in time to see that impish grin spread across his face. We will always remember him with that grin and the easy going, positive way he had of going about his life. He was a loving and caring husband with a gentle disposition and he was happy and content just being at home in his golden years. Family was always important to Orlin and he looked forward to his annual family reunions.

Orlin is survived by his wife, Mary of Coeur d’Alene; daughter Shari (Ron) of Bonners Ferry; step-children, Ginny (John) Gonser of Coeur d’Alene, Edward (Jane) Button of Moscow and Bonnie Clock of Coeur d’Alene.

Orlin’s grandchildren: Thomas Husk of Bonners Ferry; Jody (Phillip) Clem of Coeur d’Alene and Leslie (Brian) Runkle of Post Falls; Jessica Andrews of Bellingham, Wash.; Kimberly Andrews of Federal Way, Wash.; Ross Button of Lewiston and Nick Button (Kimberly) of Chicago, Ill. He has 11 great-grandkids: Darrick, Sharon, Donna, Jacob, Taneya, Trevyn, Nathan, Emily, Lyle, Lily and Payton; and one great-great-grandson, Carson.

Orlin is preceded in death by his daughter, Susan Lynn; both parents; his brother, Ervin Gene Galloway; sister Evelyn June Hull and granddaughter Katherine Kay Elizabeth (Katy) Button.

The family extends a special thank you to all at Bella Angel Residential Care Assisted Living for the excellent care they gave Orlin during his time with them. Thank you Kim and Dirk, Carley, Donna and Maria for treating him with dignity, respect and loving care — like he was family. We are deeply grateful. Also lots of love and thanks to Susan Gage, a part of our extended family, who helped us care for Orlin. Thank you Sue, for helping us in so many ways. For the everyday stuff, and every crisis, you were right there to help us get it done. Your emotional support as well, has made life easier — we love you.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 27, 2013, at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene Chapel, 744 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene. A reception will follow at the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge hall, 1520 Government Way, Coeur d’Alene. Please visit Orlin’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.