Leroy A. Altmiller, Lewiston
Leroy A. Altmiller, long-time resident of Lewiston, passed away Friday, Sept. 16, 2011, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston after a long struggle with cancer. He was born in Ahsahka, Oct. 9, 1934, to Albert and Ruth Altmiller. He was the oldest of four children.
He spent his youth working in the woods and exploring the North Fork of the Clearwater River. He graduated from Orofino High School, where he lettered in boxing, baseball, football and track.
Leroy met his future wife when he was 9 years old, on a trip to visit his cousin. When Leroy returned from his service in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War, the two married in 1955 and moved to Bremerton, Wash., where they welcomed their eldest son, Jon. They soon moved back to Kamiah, where Leroy served in local law enforcement as an officer and later as chief of police. There, they welcomed their second son, Jerry. The family moved to Headquarters and later to Orofino, after Leroy was elected Clearwater County Sheriff, serving for 10 years. The family then moved to Lewiston, where Leroy acted as security director of Potlatch Corp. for almost 20 years. He was a respected member of the law enforcement community nationwide and is remembered as a just, strong man.
He loved the outdoors and spent as much time as he could fishing, hunting and camping. He shared his enthusiasm and knowledge of archery and guns with many in the community, running an archery shop after retirement and offering hunting advice. Leroy was a master-class competitive shooter and taught many law enforcement officials and young shooters, including all three of his granddaughters, this skill. Leroy was a loving husband, and devoted father and grandfather.
Leroy was a member of St. James Catholic Church and active in the Knights of Columbus until his health began to decline.
He is survived by two sisters and a brother; as well as numerous nieces and nephews; his wife of 56 years; two daughters-in-law; three granddaughters and their spouses; a grandson; and six great-grandchildren; as well as another great-granddaughter who is due to arrive near what would have been Leroy’s 77th birthday.
He was preceded in death by his two sons, Jon and Jerry Altmiller. We know the three of them are having a joyful reunion up in heaven.
A vigil will be conducted 6:30 p.m. Friday at St. James Catholic Church, and a memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m., Saturday at the church.
Memorial gifts may be made to American Cancer Society or the charity of the giver’s choice.
The Lewiston Tribune, September 20, 2011, p. 5C
Transcribed by Jill Leonard Nock