| Loren A. Dillon |
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Loren Anselm Dillon, our loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away Monday, December 21, 2009 of congestive heart failure.
Loren was born May 20, 1921 in Buffalo, NY, the oldest of four children to Daniel and Mary (Walsh) Dillon. When Loren was three years old, the family moved to Revere, MA, where he graduated high school in 1939. Loren entered the U.S. Navy January 1942 serving in the USN Armed Guard as a gunner’s mate until December 1945. He was very proud of his service to his country, which took him across the globe, often in hostile waters, including Italy, Egypt, India and the Mediterranean. After his honorable discharge, he worked for two years on the back of a tar truck, which made him realize the benefits of higher education. So, courtesy of the G.I. Bill, he attended the University of New Hampshire. It was there he met his future wife, Catherine Irish. He graduated in 1951 and went to work for the Department of Health and Welfare in Dover, NH as a social worker. He and Catherine were married January 3, 1953 in Wolfeboro, NH. In 1956, he began working for the Bureau of Indian Affairs as Agency Social Worker. This job took the family to New Town, ND; Browning, MT; Poplar, MT and finally in 1965 to the Northern Idaho Indian Agency in Lapwai, ID, near Lewiston. He took a leave of absence from 1961-1963 to earn his Masters of Social Work from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Loren retired in 1983. Retirement activities included refinishing furniture for his family, golf, volunteer work for St. Joseph Regional Medical Center Family Hospice, reading and frequent trips with Catherine, especially to their native New England. He was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church, attending St. James Parish in Lewiston from its inception in 1970 to 2008, when he relocated to Boise for health reasons. Loren was preceded in death by his brother Malcolm, infant daughter, Mary, and nephew Daniel Dillon. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Catherine, children Dennis and Althea all of Boise, Nancy Thorson (Cliff Smith), of Tekoa, WA, Lora Vance (Randy) of Winnemucca, NV and Roberta Lutcher (Larry) of Heppner, OR. Surviving grandchildren are Matt Thorson, Kevin, Eric and Melanie Vance, Dillon and William Lutcher and Catherine and Loren “Mick” Dillon. Great-grandchildren include Lucas, Malcolm and Ava Thorson. Survivors also include brother, Daniel (MaryAnn) of Revere, MA and sister, Althea Lundberg (John) of Middleton, MA, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. An Irish Wake was held in the Boise area on Sunday, December 27th at Accent Funeral Home in Meridian, ID. In Lewiston, Vigil Service will be on Friday, January 1, 2010, at 4 p.m. at St. James Catholic Church. Memorial Mass will be on Saturday, January 2 also at St. James Church at 11 a.m. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be sent to St. James Church, 1519 Ripon Ave., Lewiston, ID 83501. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.accentfuneral.com.
CondolencesSender's Name: Ethel & Steve Bardwell
Catherine & family - Sorry to hear about your loss. We are now living in the Meridian area, closer to Melissa. Our prayers are with you. Loren was a great guy. Ethel & Steve Bardwell
Sender's Name: Jan & Park Noland
We shall miss you but know you have earned your place in Heaven! God Bless your life among us.
Sender's Name: Steve Lutes
I didn't get to know Loren as well as I would have liked but the few times we spent together were full of laughter. Loren had an infectious smile and a gift of gab that we will all remember. I also noticed a twinkle in his eye whenever an opportunity arose to discuss anything poltical. We will miss you Loren.
Sender's Name: Brent & Lori Johnston
Randy & Lora, We are sorry for your loss. Even though we have not kept in touch we think about you often. Our email is
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. We would love to reconnect.
Sender's Name: Robin Irish Richardson
What a wonderful life Uncle Loren led to have touched so many with his spirit and unique personality. My heart goes out to those he has left behind. I have many fond memories of times spent with him (especially the Alaska cruise) and hope that Aunt Catherine's and all my cousins' special memories will help sustain all of you and yours and warm your hearts as you endure his loss. I love you and miss you all. Love, Robin
Sender's Name: Michelle Clegg-Krusoff
Hi Roberta, My father sent this obituary of your father. I am so sorry to hear about his death. I understand, because on June 5, 2009, I lost my mother also. I hope you are doing well. Have a good New Year, I will be thinking about you. Love Michelle Clegg-Krusoff
Sender's Name: Charlene Yonemitsu
Lora and family, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. He was such a wonderful person. You have so many wonderful memories to help comfort you during this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Charlene
Sender's Name: Dave & Darlene Swan
Sorry for your loss of your love one.
Sender's Name: Beth Forsmann
Dear Catherine, So sorry to hear of Loren's passing! Hope you are doing well and I'm thinking of you!
Sender's Name: Jeanne Freer Manolis
Hello Catherine, Just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you at this time. May your Lord give you an extra measure of comfort today.
Sender's Name: Jerry and Sherrie Wassmuth
Dear Catherine and family. We are so sorry that Loren has passed away. We always enjoyed visiting with Loren at church. He was such a gracious man. Take care of yourself and God bless you.
Sender's Name: Barbara Peterson Robison
Dear Catherine: So sorry to read about Loren. I miss you all very much - you were both good friends to my mom Jeanne. Prayers sre with you. Barbara
Sender's Name: Mary Schwab
Catherine and Family, I want to express my sorrow about your loss. Mr. Dillon was my 1st boss at Northern Idaho Agency, even tho it was in a temporary position. He encouraged me to apply for the "permanent" job in Credit, of which I'm still employed. He was a wonderful person to know and work with. He is still missed here at the office today. My God give you comfort and strength at this time.
Sender's Name: Stan and Deana Kesler
You are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow. God Bless!
Sender's Name: Andree Richards
Dear Lora, I was saddened to hear about your Dad. You and your Family are in my thoughts and prayers. Andree
Sender's Name: Ann Mattoon
Dear Dillon Family: What a huge loss Loren's death was-not just to his family but to all who knew him! No one could have done a better job of reminding us how special Loren was than Chuck Finan. We will all miss him so much. Sender's Name: Patty Cay
Catherine and family - I am saddened to read of Loren's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Lewiston will always be a better place because of the positive influence of the Dillon family in so very many ways.
Sender's Name: Daniel and Rita Van Schoiack
Dear Roberta & Family: We are very sorry to hear of the loss of your father. You are in our thoughts and Prayers.
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He was 88 years old. In his final moments, Loren was surrounded by his adoring family. Loren passed at his daughter Althea’s home in Boise, ID where he and his wife moved in 2008.