Obituary of Durwood Helt

Durwood Bobbie Helt, 90, of Spokane Valley, Washington passed away November 1, 2013 at North Idaho Advanced Care Hospital, in Post Falls, Idaho. Durwood was born September 6, 1923 in Chewelah, Washington to Victor and Martha (Huguenin) Helt. Durwood attended and graduated from Colville High School in 1941. He then went on to Washington State University until he was drafted into the United States Army Air Core, where he proudly served during WWII. After his honorable discharge Durwood attended electronic trade school. He had spent 17 years working for International Harvester where he took care of three counties as a mechanic for Bronson Implement Company, a part of International Harvester in Colville, Washington. He then moved to Olympia, Washington where he worked for the Union Pacific Railroad as a breakman car inspector, until his retirement. Throughout his working careers he was an exceptional worker and rarely missed any time. Durwood was a member of the Masonic Temple, and will be remembered as a jack of all trades, and an exceptional woodworker. Durwood met Felicia Bakken and they were later married on June 20, 1970 in Spokane, Washington. They were married 43 years. He is survived by his loving wife of the family home in Spokane Valley, Washington; one daughter Carol (Gary) Riese of Spokane Valley, Washington; three grandchildren Rachael Riese, Garylene Riese, and Gary Riese Jr. and one great-grandchild Arthur Riese; five nieces one nephew and numerous cousins, and friends. Durwood was preceded in death by his parents one brother Roland Helt, and one sister Marian Jennings. A memorial service will be held Tuesday November 12th, 2013 at 11:15 A.M. at the Washington Veteran's Cemetery in Medical Lake, Washington. The family suggests that memorials may be made to any cancer foundation of the donor's choice or to the Spokane Humane Society at 6607 N. Havana St. Spokane, Washington 99217