 Harold Lavern Petty, 62, of Boise, ID passed away Tuesday, July 9, 2013 from a stroke. A memorial service in his honor will be held on August 5th at 12:00 at the "The Clubhouse Event Center", 7311 W. Potomac Dr, Boise, ID. A motorcade will follow with the internment at the Idaho State Veteran's Cemetery scheduled for 3:00.
Harold was born in Madera, California, January 28, 1951, the son of Joy and Alma (Meyers) Petty. He is preceded in death by his Mother, Alma, brother, Jimmy and first wife, Rebecca (Petty) Page. He is survived by his wife, Debra Brush, sons; Gregory S. Petty of Nampa, ID, and Joseph N. Petty of Ogden, UT; father, Joy Petty of Boise, ID, siblings: Rose (Archie) Dunsing of New Plymouth, ID and John (Teresa) Petty of Cassvile, MO; and Uncle Vern and Aunt Lois Petty, Cassville, MO. His early years were spent primarily in Ukiah, CA with frequent visits to Cassville, MO during summer breaks. He graduated from Ukiah High School in 1969, and received a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration from Sonoma State University in August of 1979.
Harold enlisted in the Army in April 1969, spending his first tour in Berlin, Germany. He then transferred to the United States Army Reserves where he accepted a commission and served as an Officer for an additional 16 years. His military career culminated with 6 years in the Idaho Army National Guard as State Provost Marshal. He retired on 18 September 1996 at the rank of Major, completing 26 years of service during which he received numerous military awards and commendations.
Beginning in December of 1973 he proudly served our nation as a Police Officer until May of 2009 when he retired with 36 years of service. It was a career he loved and was devoted to. He worked as a Deputy Sheriff in both Mendocino County (Ukiah, CA) and Payette County (Payette, ID). In August of 1981, Harold went to work for the Boise City Police Department. During his 27 years with the City of Boise he served in a variety of positions including Patrol, Night Step, Police Motors and as a Detective for 13 years as School Resource Officer (SRO) for West Jr. High. Harold was particularly suited for the SRO position due to his good nature, incredible sense of humor and love of kids. Many who knew Harold considered him a "big kid" who fit in very well with the students. For years after retirement, former West students would come up to him and say "Hi Officer Petty, do you remember me, I went to West Jr High." On 15 December 1993, Harold was presented with the "Police Star" for service above and beyond the call of duty.
Harold also had a love of motor cycles (which he shared with both his sons). He combined his love of motor cycles with his love of travel, riding from Boise, ID to mile post 0 in the Florida Keys then on to Nova Scotia, and on one trip even to the Arctic Circle and Chicken, Alaska with his good friend Terry Melvin. Harold was proud to say he had ridden in every State in the U.S. (He even rode a motor cycle in Hawaii while on vacation). One of his motorcycle trips was over 8,000 miles long. He and Debra also took numerous cruises and motor home trips with friends and family, the last in April of this year to Death Valley then across the South West to Roswell, NM. His favorite saying was "The Journey is the Destination".
Some of his favorite hobbies included eating pizza, playing with the dogs and feeding the neighborhood squirrels, but most of all talking to people. Anyone, anytime, Harold loved to talk, to tease and to make people laugh. His love of life and abundant energy could light up the room when he came in. He was loved by all who knew him and his presence in our lives will be dearly missed.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local Food Bank or Humane Shelter.
Published in Idaho Statesman on July 22, 2013
Cremation Society of Idaho
5541 West Overland Road Boise, ID 83705
(208) 322-3590
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