Obituary of Arthur Lewis Ackley Jr.

Arthur Lewis Ackley Jr. lost his battle with COPD on Friday, February 11, 2022 at Kootenai Health Hospital in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He was 73. Art was born on January 1, 1949, in Bremerton, Washington to Arthur Lewis Ackley Senior and Christine Ackley. Art went all through school in Hoquiam, Washington and graduated from Hoquiam High School in 1967. From there he entered the military becoming a Marine and served 2 terms in Vietnam. He was awarded eight medals while serving as a Marine. Art married Suzanne Walker in 1976. Art adopted Suzanne’s daughter, Sandy, and they had a son, Jonathan, in 1976. Art and Suzanne divorced in April of 1981. He married Kathy Dubuc in July of 1999. Art worked as a millwright. He traveled for work to Alabama, Oregon, Montana, Alaska, and lastly Idaho, where he spent his remaining years. You either loved Art or hated him. There was no in-between. He let you know what side you were on with him. Art was a man of action. He would much rather spend hours on the river or in a boat with you than conversing. You knew he truly loved you if you were invited to go fishing with him to one of his secret fishing holes. He also had a passion for hunting, craw-dadding, and gold panning. He also enjoyed shooting pool and throwing darts. He and Kathy played in leagues together. Art was never one to miss out on a joke or a chance to be ornery. He was the great instigator. He loved to laugh. He would spend hours arguing with the television. Art was preceded in death by his mother, father, and daughter, Sandy. He is survived by his wife, Kathy, his son, Jonathan (Jamie) Ackley, step-son Richard Halvarson, step-daughter Stacey Halvarson, sisters Saundra (Ken) Kingston, Sandra (Jim) Raeder, Christine Ackley, and his brothers Gary (Donna) Ackley, Dennis Ackley, 8 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. Art was cremated and there is no service planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Art’s name to The American Cancer Society or your local humane society.