Gerald Ellis 'Jerry' Morford, 83

Gerald Ellis "Jerry" Morford, 83, passed away onTuesday, Sept. 19, 2006, in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Inurnment will take place next to his parents in Palisade, Colo.

Jerry was born Aug. 29, 1923, in Palisade to J.E. and Henrietta Morford.

He enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II and served for five years prior to being honorably discharged. He reenlisted for two years in the Air Force, was stationed at Lowry Air Force Base, and served on the Berlin Airlift.

Jerry worked as a hard rock miner including stints in the Telluride uranium mine and the Henry Mountains near Moab, Utah. He then went to work in concrete construction where he helped build the Reudi Dam on the Arkansas River in Colorado.

He spent 13 years working for Aspen Ski Corp. at Snowmass, where he began as a lift operator and worked his way up to lift supervisor.

Jerry married Catherine McCarthy Aug. 19, 1968 in Basalt, Colo. The couple moved to Sandpoint in 1979 and Jerry worked for the U.S. Forest Service. He enjoyed the outdoors, walks, traveling, and gardening.

He especially enjoyed raising fruit trees and roses.

Jerry was a proud member of William B. Martin, American Legion Post 15.

He is survived by his wife, Catherine Morford of Sandpoint; two sisters, Margaret Glenn of Rifle, Colo., and Virginia Funk of Aspen, Colo.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Floyd Morford; and two sisters, Mabel Jordan and Edith O'Neal.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Jerry's memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his online guest book.