Edward Lee Boggess, 66

Edward Lee Boggess, 66, died Saturday, Aug. 4, 2007 in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Edward was born in Visalia, Calif. on July 1, 1941 to Lonnie and Hazel Richards Boggess. He was the oldest of 10 children.

He grew up in Morro Bay, Calif. playing hooky on the beach and building dune buggies.

When he was 16, he pretended he was a year older so he could join the Navy. He turned 18 in Barcelona, Spain.

After four years in the Navy, he hitchhiked and rode the rails across the nation, traveling several times from the Atlantic to the Pacific and back.

He became self-educated on the road, having many humorous and sometimes dangerous adventures. He became very well acquainted with the United States from one end to the other.

Edward finally settled down in 1972, when he married Margaret Schank.

They lived for four years in Tacoma, Wash. They then bought land in Troy close to Margaret's folks, who owned a bar.

Edward built a log cabin on their 20 acres. Even though there was no electricity, Edward hooked up a generator and running water.

In 1980 they had a daughter, Brooke. He stayed home to raise her, taking her with him when he was hired to do work with his tractor around the community.

He was a reliable, loving father, ruling with a quick thump and many hugs.

He taught manners and respect for others, as well as pride in yourself, sticking to your morals and your beliefs and if people didn't agree with you, too bad for them.

Edward had only one natural child, but he was a father figure to many.

He would do anything for "one of his girls," going out of his way to help with a problem, or just bring a smile.

Toward the end of his life, he became a grandfather, a role he loved and cherished. Even when he was sick and in pain, he would make the eight-hour round trip to Missoula several times a month to spend time with his grandson.

He is survived by his wife Meg, of Troy; daughter Brooke and husband Michael and grandson Richard of Missoula, plus another grandbaby on the way; brother, Steve Boggess and his wife Vicky; two sisters Ida and Genoa and many close friends.

Edward was honest, a hard worker, a constant story teller, someone to rely on, a wonderful father, a 10 percenter, a good arguer and he had a great sense humor.

Sometimes he was grumpy, but someone has to be. We all love him, and we will miss him until we meet again.

A celebration of Edwards's life and a potluck will be held at the 18th mile property in the Yaak at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug.11.