Royce Darin Castle

Royce Darin Castle, 41, a former resident of Troy, died on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009, in Post Falls, Idaho.

He was born on Dec. 8, 1968, to Joy Jensen and Fred Castle. He grew up in Newport, Wash., and was a 1987 graduate of Newport High School.

He joined the U.S. Army after high school and served in Desert Storm. After getting out of the military, he owned his own tree-topping business in Ohio for several years before moving to Troy where he lived for several years. He eventually found his home and happiness in Sagle, Idaho, where he married Corie Fagan on Nov. 5, 2006. He worked as a logger since moving to Troy in the early 1990s.

Mr. Castle enjoyed playing the guitar and all music in general, the outdoors and spending time with family and friends.

“He had a laugh that was absolutely euphoric and was contagious to anybody around him,” family said. “He had a great personality and a smile that lit up his eyes. He also never hesitated to lend a helping hand and had a kind heart.

“If anyone had asked Darin what his finest legacy to the world would be, he wouldn't have hesitated to say, ‘my family.’ While each of us know that we've lost a link to the past in Darin's passing, hopefully his family and friends will remember that they will always be his hope for the future,” family added.

His father, Fred Castle, and grandmother, Helen Fisher, preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife, Corie Castle of Sagle, Idaho; mother, Joy Jensen of Troy; sons, Darin Castle Jr. and Devon Castle of Oroville, Ohio; brother, Rob Cantrell and wife Sabreena and five children of Spring Creek, Nev.; brother, Joe Jensen and wife Audra of Portland, Ore.; sister, Robin Taylor and husband Jeff and three children of Spring Creek, Nev.; half-brother, Robbie Castle of Spokane, Wash.; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Among those extended family members who mourn his passing are Robyn Hilliard and husband Frank of Libby. Many friends will also miss him.

The family invites friends to celebrate Mr. Castle’s life on Sunday, Dec. 27 at 2 p.m., at the Sagle Community of Christ Church, 1024 Sagle Road, in Sagle, Idaho (one mile east of U.S. Highway 95). A reception will follow services.

Memorial contributions may be made to 46880 Highway 95, Space No. 22, Sagle, ID 83860.

Yates Funeral Home in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho handled cremation.