Goodbye, Wilmer.
On Friday a wonderful man passed away. Wilmer Featherstone died after a long hard battle with cancer. He was 87-years old. Wilmer was a fighter, a husband, and a World War II Vet.
I first met Wilmer on a hot summer day two years ago. We were working on a story about how hot it was and how people were cooling off. Wilmer was getting an air conditioner installed in his house. Wilmer and his wife, Katherine had saved their money to buy the air conditioner- they were so excited. One thing led to another and he began telling me about his days at war. He could tell a great story. And, what a personal story it was. He could remember details about that war as though it was yesterday. Because of his cancer, he knew at some point his time here on Earth would be over. Before he left though, he wanted to leave his WWII memorabilia with someone who would appreciate the history. So for months, Katharine and Wilmer sorted through the boxes of memorabilia getting it ready to be auctioned off. When it came auction time the place was packed. At least a hundred or so people showed up to get their own piece of WWII history. Wilmer sat back and watched in amazement as people bid well over a thousand dollars for certain items. The plan was to use the money to make a trip back to see his family in Minnesota one last time. I'm not sure if he ever made that trip.
Wilmer wasn't one to draw attention to himself. In fact, his wife Katherine is the one who pushed so hard to get him his six well deserved Purple Hearts. He was supposed to get them well over fifty years ago , but for some reason it slipped through the cracks. He received those medals last year.
In this business we interview people everyday. Some we forget about others, like Wilmer Featherstone, never leave our hearts and minds. Even though I knew him only a short time, he left a powerful impression on me. I'll never forget what he told me when I asked him the secret to his marriage of 65 plus years. He said, "well, never go to bed angry and always kiss goodnight. And, I don't mean just any kiss. I mean a REAL kiss." It was hilarious. Thanks for making me laugh. So many people will miss you.
A memorial service is set for next Wednesday at 2 PM at Calvary Lutheran Church in Post Falls.
To watch stories we've covered about Wilmer.. click here :http://www.kxly.com/index.php?story_id=16000