Beau Denham

DENHAM, Beau Gentry (Age 48) Beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and cousin Beau Gentry Denham, entered into rest Saturday morning, October 17, 2009 at the age of 48 years young at his and Ilona's home, Spokane Valley surrounded by family and friends following a ten month courageous battle with Stage IV lung cancer which had become metastasized. Early on Beau lost the use of one vocal cord causing him to speak in a whisper, earning him the nickname of "Godfather" by his family and friends in the online game Mafia Wars. Beau was born, June 19, 1961 at Deaconess Hospital, Spokane. He was the second child of Floyd and Esther Denham. Beau married Judy Farias in April of 1982 in Roskilde, Denmark. The marriage ended in January 1991. Beau met his wife of 18 years Ilona Marie Lester while they were both stationed in Seoul, Korea. Beau & Ilona married in October 1991 in Heidelberg, Germany and were still married when Beau passed away. Beau graduated from Antioch High School in Antioch, CA in 1979. He attended Laney College in Oakland, CA where he earned a 4.00 GPA and made the Dean's List. Beau enlisted in the Army where he enrolled in various military classes and attended various civilian college's during his Army career, ultimately receiving his AA in Liberal Arts and a BS in Information Technology. Beau was proud to have served in the Army, retiring as a SFC-E7 in October 2000. His primary specialty was Microwave Systems Operator/Maintainer. He formed many lasting friendships while serving at numerous duty stations. When Beau retired from the Army he brought his family to Spokane Valley where many of his relatives resided. He was employed at Staples in the Valley for a while after retiring. Beau was working for the USPS in Veradale, WA at the time he was diagnosed with cancer. Beau was a notorious organizer and took a lot of ribbing from those who knew and loved him. He was a dedicated family man and preferred spending his free time with family and friends, and playing practical jokes. Beau & Ilona were passionate Pittsburgh Steeler Fans which caused a great deal of banter between him and his brothers. He enjoyed competing in the online game Runescape and recently added the Mafia Wars game to his genre of games to pass the time with family & friends. Beau is survived by his wife Ilona Denham, Spokane Valley. Daughter Tammy Bachteler, her children Autumn and Summer, Garfield, N.J. Daughter Desiree Rincon-Denham, at his home in Spokane Valley, WA. Parents Floyd & Esther Denham, Spokane Valley. Brothers/spouses Denver, Bret (Donna), Brooke (Mary) Denham, Spokane Valley. Lance (Jennifer) Denham, Virginia Beach, VA. Sisters/spouses Justina (Richard) Clingenpeel, Spokane Valley and Briana (Rohan) Gray, Phoenix, AZ. Brothers-in law Jimmy and Shawn Hession (his companion Hope Guy). Sister-in-law Patricia (Michael) Patrick all from Arnold, PA. Nieces & Nephews Christopher, Derek, Yvonne, Denver Jr., Stephanie, Brandon, Ryan, Josh, Randy, Marty, Danny, Timothy, Jordon, Madison, Samantha, Saige and Charlotte and Leah Caldwell and a nephew due in November. Many Aunts, Uncles Cousins and friends. Beau's pets affectionately known as critters; Cherokee, Cheyenne (Jethro), Xena, Star and Angel. Beau was predeceased by his paternal Grandparents, John Denham, 1986. Beatrice Denham, 1947. Maternal Grandparents Alexander Tonis, 1991. Pauline Tonis, 1950. Mother-in-law Elizabeth Hession, 1999. Father-in-law Thomas Hession, 1962. The service will be held Friday, October 23, 2009 at 2:00 PM - Thornhill Valley Chapel, 1400 S. Pines Rd, Spokane Valley, WA. Visitation: Thursday, October 22, 2009 from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Graveside - Military Honor Guard at Pines Cemetery on 16th Avenue, Spokane Valley. Reception at the funeral home following the funeral service. Services will be officiated by Pastor Brian Dedera, Foothills Community Church, Spokane, WA. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to the Hospice of Spokane. The family would like to extend a special "Thank You" to Jay Wittenkeller MD and Jo Bruning ARNP from Rockwood Clinic. The Rockwood Radiology staff, Spokane Valley who went beyond the call of duty and just happened to be Pittsburg Steeler Fans. The staff from Spokane Hospice who worked diligently to insure Beau's comfort.