Dean R. Cody, 82, of Hayden Lake, passed away Oct. 7, 2016, at Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, from complications of COPD. He was born Oct. 3, 1934, in Seattle, Wash., the son of John J. and Merle E. (Green) Cody. He was raised and educated in Washington state, graduating from Colville High School in the class of 1952.

“Cody” (as everyone called him) along with three school buddies; Howard Kaiser, Dale Mitchell and Bob Sherrodd, joined the Navy, on April 7, 1953, and served on active duty in Adak, Alaska, in Communications until 1957 and finished his service as a reservist, honorably discharged March 10, 1960.

Following his service to his country, he returned to Kent, Wash., and worked for the railroad and other jobs. May 31, 1956, found “Cody” moving to Wallace, Idaho, and he started work for the American Smelting and Refining Company (Asarco) Mine as a hard rock miner. A new found occupation he worked at until his retirement in 1992.

During that long career and on one occasion while working underground with his partner Fred “Smoky” Stepro he experienced firsthand the dangers involved in hard rock mining. On Aug. 9, 1968, he and Smoky were drilling and mucking the rock when a rock burst estimated at 800 tons at the 3,400 foot level buried both men. “Cody” was buried and was rescued after about three hours but Smoky was not as lucky, being buried under seven and a half feet of rock, he succumbed to his injuries. “Cody” spent some time in the East Shoshone Hospital recovering from sprains, bruises, cuts and a broken back. Following his recovery, he again went to work in the mines and trained as a rescue crewmember and firefighter.

His training became a part of life and came as a lifesaver when the Sunshine Mine disaster occurred on May 2, 1972. As a member of the Galena rescue crew, he and the other crewmembers felt “It was the natural thing to do” as life was in the balance and the Galena rescue crew led the initial rescue attempt. A moment all of the crew were proud of for the gallant effort they initiated. Only two were saved and 91 others lost their lives in Idaho’s largest mine disaster.

“Cody” met Gladys Walker in April 1983 while at the Banana Belt Bowling tournament in Clarkston, Wash., and were married on July 8, 1992.

“Cody’s” brotherhood and bond he made all those years with his fellow miners was a lifelong brotherhood. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, coin collecting, traveling on many cruise ships, his favorite being a 10-day cruise through the Panama Canal.

He was a lifetime member or the VFW, Coeur d’Alene Coin Club as well as an avid Seattle Seahawks, Mariner baseball and Gonzaga Basketball fan.

“Cody” is survived by his wife, Gladys Cody, Hayden Lake; daughter Jacque (Francis) Cleland, Butte, Mont.; daughter-in-law Cathy Cody, Gillette, Wyo.; daughter Judy (Grant) Wilson, Lebanon, Ore.; stepson William Rich Walker, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; 11 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

He was preceded in death by his father, John J. Cody; mother Merle Green Waite; stepfather Bill Waite; son Rodney Kip Cody; sister Janice Cody Wright; baby sister Barbara and granddaughter Rhinda Smith.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835 or VFW Post #1675, 318 E. Mullan Ave., Osburn, ID 83849.

Per “Cody’s” request there will be no funeral services as he wanted a party. However, there will be a celebration of “Cody’s” life held from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 29, 2017, at the VFW Post in Osburn, Idaho.

“Cody, continue telling your stories to your family, friends and co-workers that need to get caught up on the latest stories. Love Ya.”

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit “Cody’s” online memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com and sign his guest book.