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District 1, ITD mourn passing of Chuck Spickelmire

District 1 employees are mourning the loss of Chuck Spickelmire, who died December 21, at his home after a valiant, two-year battle with brain cancer. He was 57.

Chuck was born Jan. 16, 1954, to Lowell and Ramona Spickelmire in Weiser, and grew up in various cities throughout the state, graduating from high school in Idaho Falls. Chuck believed marrying his sweetheart, Colleen, in June 1977, was his greatest accomplishment. He loved to say that his happiest time was being her “houseboy” after he retired. Chuck and Colleen have one son, Aaron, of whom Chuck was very proud.

Chuck worked consistently throughout his childhood and teen years at an interesting variety of jobs, then was hired by and worked for the Idaho Transportation Department for 30 years, primarily in Island Park and Sandpoint. During that time, he helped maintain and repair thousands of miles of roads.

He spent the last five years of his career as director of the Bonner County Road and Bridge Department. His major accomplishments during his tenure were improving county roads and providing critical input for the construction of the Sandpoint Byway Project. Chuck also served six years as a Sandpoint City Council member. His goal during his term in office was to stay focused on what was legal, right and fair for everyone. He retired in 2009 to spend more time with his family and his avocation, carpentry and woodworking, at which he excelled.

Despite preferring to remain behind the scenes in his community work, Chuck was an honorary Rotarian, a Rotary benefactor, and was named a Paul Harris Fellow. He was actively involved with many community service projects, notably helping to build the East Bonner County Library patio and walking/biking paths.

Chuck is survived by his wife of 34 years, Colleen, his son, Aaron, mother Ramona Spickelmire, sister Gail (Dick) Halligan, and many extended family members.