Brownie Jean Balison, Sr

Brownie Jean Balison was born February 6, 1930 in Sandpoint, Idaho to Elwood and Nellie Balison. He lived his entire life in North Idaho passing away at his home on November 23, 2015, of congestive heart failure. He passed away peacefully with his wife, children and grandchildren by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Stanley, Dale, Dan, and Milton. He is survived by one brother, Keith. Brownie’s first love was driving his logging truck, which he began at the age of 13. He was well known in the timber industry for his quick wit and cheerful banter. His happiest days were spent in the woods and on the back roads of Bonner County. It was with great reluctance that he hung up his hard hat at the age of 75. Brownie was always ready and willing to help a brother in need, whether that meant a meal, a bed to sleep in or the last $5 in his wallet. His love for people is evident by how many people in this community call him “grandpa”. Brownie loved Jesus and made sure he told anyone he met he hoped to see them in heaven. Brownie leaves behind a legacy of what he called his “treasures”, his children and their children. Brownie’s large and constantly expanding family was his greatest joy. Not only did he have his own family but so many in the community that he considered his family. He blessed the lives of many with his love for God and people. Brownie is survived by his ex-wife, Maxine Hustead and their children together, Maxine (Ken) Webb and Brownie Balison Jr. ( Lee) Balison Brownie is also survived by his wife of 57 years , Rosie Carlson, and their children together, Gene (Missi) Balison, Donna (Slate) Kamp, Glen (Sheila) Balison and Helen (Daren) Parsons and adopted daughter, Cindy (Butch) Miller. His Grandchildren, Vernon, John, Angela, Nick, Molly, Levi, Jake, Samantha, Dash, Kix, Jesica, Laura, Mackenzie, Sydney, Brady, Hailey and Emily. His great-grandchildren, Marie, Jamie, Mahalia, Magdalena, Manuela, Mikael, Gabriel, Raphael, Owen, Max and Lincoln, Nicole and David Brownie’s family would like to say thank you to so many people that contributed to Brownie’s life, especially in the last years when he was afflicted with the disease of Alzheimer’s. To Terry Robinson and Steve Hesselink, his neighbors and faithful friends, who made sure the snow was shoveled, the firewood was in and Brownie was safe and accounted for. To special friends, Willard and Jean Piehl, who were friends most of his life, giving him a home when he didn’t have one and sharing a lifelong friendship. To the many, many people of Sandpoint who treated Brownie with kindness and respect as the Alzheimer’s took away his mind, but not this happy spirit. And to Bonner General Hospice for their loving care of Brownie the last 3 weeks of his life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations would be made to the Bonner Gospel Mission, a cause very dear to Brownie’s heart. Bonner Gospel Mission PO Box 263 Ponderay, Idaho 83852. Services will be held at the Sandpoint Christian Center on December 19th at 1:00 pm with Pastor Wesley Ribeiro officiating. Reception to follow.