Billy Duane Syth, 85, passed away on the evening of March 15, 2017, at his home in Post Falls, Idaho.

Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, April 1, 2017, at 11 a.m. in Coffelt’s Funeral Chapel in Sandpoint, Idaho. A potluck reception will directly follow the service at the VFW hall. Everyone is invited.

Billy was born on Aug. 26, 1931, in Sydney, Mont. Billy was the third youngest of 18 children born to William and Helen (Stoneberg) Syth. The legacy of this family brought up hundreds of family members in the great Northwest. Billy grew up in Heron, Mont., on his parent’s dairy farm.

He was known for his guitar playing and entertaining with his family friends and the Canadians. “Cowboy Bill” had a soft voice and a sweet disposition. He loved country music and being funny, making his grandchildren laugh, even in his final days.

Billy met his bride, Grace McKinney, dating in the summer of 1951 in Heron. The following year, when Grace returned, they again met and two weeks later, on a whim, got married — a decision that has lasted 64 years. Billy and Grace were married on June 20, 1952, at the Hitching Post, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in a double ceremony with Grace’s sister, Louise, and her betrothed, Bernie Brewer.

Billy and Grace have three children, Stan (Brenda) Syth in Post Falls, Ray Syth in Sandpoint, and Susie Keeley in Post Falls; nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

His namesake, Billie Lee McCaulley passed away in 2001. He was also preceded in death by his parents, William and Helen Syth; 11 brothers and six sisters.

A special thank you to his granddaughter, Denise Aparicio, for the tremendous care and time spent in helping with Billy’s care as well as the care he received from North Idaho Hospice, especially his nurse, Maggie.

Family and friends are invited to sign Billy’s online guestbook at coffeltfuneral.com.

Final arrangements are under the direction of Coffelt Funeral Service.