Donald A. 'Gus' Denton

Gus was born Dec. 4, 1931, in Kooskia, to Ed and Frona (Fitting) Denton. He graduated from Kooskia High School and attended the University of Idaho until he was called home after his father died in a horse logging accident near Syringa. Upon returning to Kooskia, he married his high school sweetheart, Geraldine "Gerry" Lee, and they had three children, Terri, Don and Tim. He went to work logging, and eventually formed Denton and Sweet logging with his wife, sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Buzz Sweet. They logged for Potlach Corp. throughout the Clearwater National Forest and also produced cedar poles for L.D. McFarland in Kooskia.

In 1963, in anticipation of the completion of U.S. Highway 12 to Montana, Denton and Sweet built and operated the Syringa Cafe and Truck Stop. It was a going place known for its great home-cooked food and homemade huckleberry pie.

In the early '70s, Gus and Gerry went on to form Syringa Land and Timber and purchased a cedar mill in Syringa. The family-run operation produced a variety of cedar products that were shipped throughout the country. In 1984, Gus and Gerry purchased the Lochsa Lodge and enlisted the assistance of many family members in the restoration and operation of the historic lodge, which had fallen into disrepair. Many of the grandchildren learned the value of hard work by working alongside Gus and Gerry. For many guests, sitting on the front porch of the country store, sharing a beer and visiting with Gus was the best part of their visit to the lodge. The Lochsa Lodge is still owned and operated by the family today.

Gus and Gerry knew how to work hard, and they also enjoyed having a good time. They traveled throughout the U.S., visiting every state in the U.S., Mexico and Europe. Gus enjoyed history and exploration and learning about different places and cultures and meeting new people. He loved to read, especially about local history and was very knowledgeable about the Lewis and Clark Expedition as well as the people who worked the forest and lands of north central Idaho.

Gus loved the backcountry. Some of his favorite family trips were pack trips into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness area. It was a passion he passed on to his son, Don. He especially enjoyed his time at North Star Ranch on the Selway River with his good friend, Jim Emmert.

After celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, Gerry passed away in 2001, the same year the historic lodge burned to the ground. Gus loved the lodge business and took great interest in the rebuilding of the new lodge and continued to the end taking an interest in the everyday operations.

In 2006, he married Mary Faria, and they enjoyed spending time in Powell, traveling and spending their winters in South Padre, Texas, until Mary passed away in 2010.

Since then, Gus enjoyed dividing his time between his home on the Lochsa River and his home in Tucson, Ariz. The last couple of years, his daughter Terri Williams took great care of Gus in Lewiston, bringing him back to his home on the Lochsa for the summers.

Gus was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. He touched many people's lives and his example made us all want to be the best possible people we could be. His passion for life will be greatly missed.

The family would like to thank Dr. Awad and Dr. Rathod and the staff at Tri-State Dialysis Center and Tri-State intensive care unit for their wonderful care.

Gus was preceded in death by his parents; brother Bill Denton; wife Gerry Denton; sister Ruth Sweet; son-in-law Rob Williams; and wife Mary Faria.

He is survived by his daughter, Terri Williams; sons Don (Andrea) Denton and Tim (Betsy) Denton; grandchildren Ryan (Annie) Williams, Amy Williams, Zach Williams, August Williams, Drew (Melinda) Denton, Sadie (Derick) Driggs, Mandy (Terry) Paige, Meghan (Chris) Melena, Casey (Sara) Denton, Hannah (Bryan) Carter and Mariah Denton; brother-in-law Buzz (Jean) Sweet; sister-in-law Lucy Faria; nieces and nephews; and many great-grandchildren.

Gus will have a private burial next to his parents in Kooskia. A celebration of life gathering will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Quality Inn in Clarkston. Food and beverages will be served.