Erling W. "Earl" Bonin

Erling Wayne “Earl” Bonin, age 84, passed away at his home in Kootenai, Idaho on July 3, 2017 with his children and his wife by his side. Earl was born September 24, 1932 in White Butte, South Dakota to Emery W. Bonin and Larena H. (Moe) Bonin. The family moved to Sandpoint in 1934 arriving here on his second birthday. He attended Kootenai schools, grades 1-8, and graduated from Sandpoint High School in 1950. On January 4, 1951 he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served for eight years before returning to Kootenai in 1959 where he put down his roots and raised his family. He worked at many jobs, including the CO-OP creamery, foreman for Bob Sleep doing construction, in the woods falling trees and the local mills. In 1978 he moved to the west side of Washington and ended his career working at Jeld-Wen until he retired. Earl had many interests including gardening, reading, fishing and wood working, but his passion was hunting and teaching his children all his secrets for “bringing home the meat.” As soon as one season closed he was already making plans for the next season. As a matter of fact his last wish was to hunt one last time. Earl is survived by his sister Merna Bonin of Lynwood, Washington; his daughter Teresa (Bob) Walden of Naples, Idaho; his son Ed (Tonya) Bonin of Post Falls, Idaho his wife Nellie of Sandpoint; four grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings.