Wendell Laurier Brophy, 85
Bonners Ferry Herald | UPDATED 2 weeks, 6 days AGO
Wendell Laurier Brophy was born on September 23, 1940, in Harvey, North Dakota, to Wilfrid “Doc” Laurier Brophy and Edell Lee Brophy. He passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, at the age of 85.
Wendell graduated from Issaquah High School in 1959 and attended Skagit Valley College before proudly serving in the United States Army. He was honorably discharged in 1967 and went on to work at the Carnation and Dairygold plants in Seattle. In 1965, he married Nancy Broneman, and together they raised two children, son Shane Brophy and daughter Sharleen (Brophy) Bateman.
Wendell married Nettie Youngblood in 1988 and after retiring from the dairy business, they moved to Bonners Ferry, a place they took great pride in. They shared 34 years together before her passing in 2022.
Wendell was one in a million. He had a sharp wit, wild sense of humor, and would always tell you that he “swung first,” both metaphorically and literally.
Wendell would have been proud to tell anyone that he was 47+ years sober. He was a steadfast and valued presence in his AA community.
Wendell is survived by his children; grandchildren Damien Thomas and Shelden Alligood; great-grandchildren Adaline and Evelyn; sisters Wanda (Brophy) Raap and Lucille (Brophy) Heflin; as well as stepchildren, Rhonda, Diane, Brad, and Tasha, step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, and extended family who loved him dearly.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 17, at 11:30 a.m. at Bonners Ferry Funeral Home. Interment will take place at a later date at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, Washington. To leave a message or memory for the family go to bonnersferryfuneralhome.com. Bonners Ferry Funeral Home is caring for the family.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all the neighbors, friends, and caregivers who offered their love, support, and care to Wendell. His stories will live on, his laughter will linger, and his absence will be felt in quiet moments by those who loved him. It was a privilege to know him.