William Gene Cuddy, 73

William Gene Cuddy, 73, of Kendrick, Idaho, passed away in Lewiston on Dec. 11, 2019. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

“Willy” was born in Vancouver, Wash., on Aug. 7, 1946, to Nellie and James Cuddy. He graduated in 1964 from Columbia Falls High School and served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War before meeting his wife, Jeanette.

Willy married Jeanette in 1973 and together they had two daughters: Tomia and Kimberly. Willy and Jeanette lived most of their lives in Rathdrum, Idaho, until retiring to his grandfather’s homestead in the Cedar Ridge Community. Throughout his life he worked as a miner, a quality assurance technician for an aerospace company, a logger, a diesel mechanic and a commercial truck driver. Willy enjoyed reading, music, camping and helping in his community. He was also a proud member of the Lions Club, Elks Lodge, Good Sam’s Club, Gold Hill Community Church and Friendly Neighborhood Club.

Willy is survived by his wife, Jeanette; daughters Tomia (Torin) Browning and Kim (John) Wilper; and grandchildren Tanian Browning and Talia (John) Schnider. He would have enjoyed his first great-grandchild arriving in February. Surviving siblings are his brother, James Cuddy and sister, Jackie Eborall. Willy also had several beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family.

Willy was predeceased by his father, James; mother, Nellie and brother, Richard.

Memorial services will be held at Gold Hill Community Church and Gold Hill Cemetery this spring. Memorial donations may be made in Willy’s name to Gold Hill Community Church or Idaho State Veterans Home in Lewiston.