Over 20 years ago I had the privilege of founding Kootenai Medical Center Foundation's "Festival of Trees." This annual event has become a holiday tradition for our community, and I'm proud this fund raiser has grown to provide significant support for hospital facilities and services.
One of the biggest bonuses I received from directing the Festival was becoming acquainted with longtime Coeur d'Alene citizens Ellen and Ace Walden. This generous couple served as "Honorary Co-Chairmen" of the first Festival of Trees which benefited The Walden House. Named in their honor, this home away from home provides comfortable lodging for outpatients and their families while receiving treatment at KMC.
Ellen passed away in 1991, but my friendship with Ace continued and grew over the years. A retired banker, Ace remained active in the community until he died October 23, 2010 - at the age of 103. Sharp as a tack and with a memory that could compete with any microprocessor, Ace was simply amazing. His sense of humor was delightful, and I've never known a better storyteller. He thought hard and deeply about important issues, and if asked to comment he would always add, "But that's just one man's opinion."
Ace and Ellen were never blessed with children of their own, but as time passed they "adopted" many folks. Selfishly, I like to think that I was one of those adoptees - but then Ace and Ellen had a way of making everyone they encountered feel special.
Had there been a traditional funeral service for Ace, no church would have held all the people who would have come to pay their respects to Ace Walden. But it was Ace's wish to have a small, private ceremony for family and friends, and he left very specific instructions and had it planned out with great detail.
I was among the lucky handful to be included in Ace's memorial. Along with his minister, we gathered in Ace's home to reflect on his life and share personal memories. From there we boarded a bus for the 2-block ride to the boat launch where we were treated to a 2-hour boat ride and lunch on Lake Coeur d'Alene. Together we spread Ace's ashes in the Lake and said goodbye to a great man and a wonderful friend. But that's just one woman's opinion.
