Bruce E. Lamkins, 60, formerly of Libby

Bruce Edward Lamkins, 60, of Boise, Idaho, died Monday, Dec. 17, 2012. 

Bruce was born Oct. 23, 1952, in Iola, Wis., the youngest child born to Roland and Barbara (Jonak) Lamkins. 

As a child, he attended many schools, graduating from high school in Lodi, Calif., and then earning a bachelor’s degree in education from Western Montana College. 

After college, Bruce moved back to Libby where he was employed by the Libby School District as a physical-education instructor. After a short time, he changed career paths to join the logging industry. Taking advantage of an opportunity to travel the country, Bruce chose to work as a sawyer, helicopter logging. He cut timber from California to New York, often sending mementos of his travels to family and friends. 

Bruce married Janie Adkins in 1986. Their eight-year marriage produced one daughter. In the spring of 2003, Bruce suffered a paralyzing spinal-cord injury while working in Tennessee, ending his logging career. Anticipating a move back to the Flathead Valley, Bruce was looking forward to spending his days fishing from his pontoon boat and hunting Montana’s mountains. 

Family and friends will forever remember his kind heart, generous personality and optimistic attitude. 

He is survived by his father, Roland Lamkins, of Washington; sisters, Michele Pompe of Washington, and Terry Lara of Illinois; daughter, Katie Lamkins, of Kalispell; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

A private memorial will be held at a later date.