It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jack LeRoy Biss of Diamond Lake (Newport), Washington, at the age of 88, just 1 week shy of his 89 ^th birthday.  Jack passed away peacefully December 6, 2022, at his home after several months of declining health with his wife Patricia (Patsy) of 70 years and his son Jack Jr by his side.

Jack was born December 16, 1933, in Spokane, Washington to Clifford Stephen and Mary Louise (Reedy) Biss. Jack joined 1 older brother, Wayne Clifford, at the family home with 1 more brother, Lloyd Eugene, and 1 sister, Toni Jeanne, to complete the family a few years later.

Coming from humble beginnings, Jack didn't have the opportunity for a formal education beyond the 9 ^th grade, joining the work force at a young age.  He quickly learned the value of hard work, eager to do more than required to move up quickly in various jobs.  In the early 1950's he bought a 1940 Ford Coupe that he spent endless hours working on to make it his eye catching little hot rod.  One day after being dropped off at his job at the El Rancho Restaurant by his new girlfriend who 'borrowed' his precious hot rod, he was visited at work by the Police who were checking if it was him that had been racing the streets of Spokane.  Apparently, the driving skills of his girlfriend impressed him because on April 27 ^th , 1952, Jack married Patricia (Olson) and they celebrated 70 years of marriage April of 2022.  Together they had 5 children: Jacqueline (Jackie), Patricia (Patty), Sharon, Jack Jr and Jason.

Jack's work ethic and desire to take care of his family led him to working numerous jobs, most of which were in the logging industry.  In his younger years he worked at Washington Brick & Lime, Mc Goldrick Lumber Mill and Long Lake Lumber Comp, while also driving the night shift truck for Spokesman Review.  Wanting to escape the city, and Jack's desire to be a sawyer, they moved to Springdale starting with a rented chainsaw and often logging with horses while also learning the farm life. After a brief move to Northport, they moved to Colville where Jack drove Cat for Schauls Brothers Logging until his back, which had been broken in a previous logging accident, could no longer take the constant operating of a Caterpillar.   Following Jack's dream, they moved north of Priest River where he built a sawmill, but the summer of 1967 brought the Sundance fire and off Jack went with his chainsaw in hand to fight fire.  He later worked for Evan & Norman Peterson, Nelson Lumber Company and (George) Ford Shake Mill outside of Newport. They moved yet again to be closer to work, but after the Shake Mill burned (the second time) and they lost their home, having been struck by lightning, they settled on their final & forever home south of Diamond Lake with Jack working for Merritt Brothers as fabricator, designing and building many parts/ machinery at the Priest River and Athol mills.

Family was very important to Jack. Working as much as he did, he still made time for Sunday family drives, fishing with his children (including many Salmon fishing trips), a 3-week road trip to Washington DC (with 3 adults & 4 children in a motorhome), road trips to Arizona & California to visit Grandchildren and numerous vacations to Mexico. Most of all, Jack treasured spending time with his family and great friends, willing to do anything to help them all.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; Stepmother Leleah (Loy) Biss; Brother Lloyd Eugene Biss; Sister Toni J Grow and Son Jason Neil Biss. Jack is survived by his wife Patsy of 70+ years; daughter Jackie Biss-Carbah (& Bill) (Olympia); daughter Patty Biss (Diamond Lake); daughter Sharon Dalton (& Gary) (Priest River); son Jack L Biss Jr (& Lisa) (Diamond Lake); brother Wayne Biss (Davisville, WV); 6 Grandchildren – Eric Slinger, Nicole Westervelt (& Jim), Jessica Edmondson (& Tyler Lowrey), Michael Dalton (& Darla), Brittney Biss & Allysen Biss; 5 Great Grandchildren – Riley Slinger, Hunter Edmondson, Chloe Slinger, Reagan Westervelt & Reece Dalton and numerous nieces & nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to South Pend Oreille Fire & Rescue, particularly Diamond Lake Station with their many volunteers, who have been quick to assist us many times over the past couple years.

There will be a memorial/celebration of Jack's life in the Spring of 2023 which will be announced at a further time.

. Sherman-Campbell Funeral and Cremation Services in Newport, WA is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are welcome to visit their website at www.shermancampbell.com