Herbert "Herb" Munro

1938 - 2021

Herbert "Herb" Maury Munro, age 82, passed away on May 1, 2021, in comfort and care at St. Joseph's Hospital in Chewelah, Washington, due to complications of an unexpected fall.
Herb was born on May 3, 1938, in Spokane, Washington, the son of Herbert Maury and Maryann (Moser) Munro.
Herb was raised in Spokane, where he attended school and graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1956.
He then attended college at Eastern Washington University, where he earned his teaching certificate and later a masters in business administration.
Herb's first teaching job was in Winthrop, Washington, and he taught a multitude of courses and coached several sports.
He later returned to Spokane and went to work for the Old National Bank, as well as serving as a pastor in Colbert, Washington.
While with Old National Bank, Herb worked with computers and training staff as they implemented new computer technology.
Herb had an opportunity to serve on the World Trade and Expo committee during preparations for the 1974 Expo in Spokane.
He gave this his full attention and successfully created partnerships and significant donations to build the Christian pavilion in Riverfront Park for the Expo.
His construct of connections and friendships led him into serving as an administrator at Spokane Community College.
While teaching a secretarial training course in Colville, at the Armory, Herb was inspired to expand learning opportunities into the Colville area.
He then encouraged the Spokane Community College to consideration the idea until they granted permission for the development of the Colville Community College.
Herb relocated to Colville and, for the next 30 years, served as the Dean of Education at the Colville Community College.
On July 15, 1978, Herb married Barbara A. Weeks and they combined hearts and families for almost 43 years together in marriage.
In the mid-1990s, he was instrumental in the remodel and relocation of the college to its current location.
Herb also spearheaded in Institute for Extended Learning, which provided telecommunication college courses and resources into the communities of Colville and in Inchelium, Republic, Ione and Pullman, all in Washington.
He retired in 2006 and continued to serve on community boards and volunteer positions for many years.
Herb was a man of great passion and drive to excellence. He was a lifelong proponent of education and inspired people to continue in their educational journey, as well as, continue to support the educational opportunities of others.
Herb followed in his father's passion of flight and trained under his tutelage. He flew as a private pilot with advanced acrobatic training and air show experience. Herb rebuilt and flew numerous aircraft over the years and was always thumbing through aircraft magazines and Trade-A-Planes looking for new projects.
Whenever possible, Herb could be found with a fly rod in his hand and a collection of his self-tied flies, casting away the day, for it was his greatest passion.
He also spent many days boating in the San Juan Islands while spending time with family and friends.
Herb was a wine enthusiast who enjoyed making wines and sharing his advancing knowledge. His wine label was Mill Creek Wines and was the recipient of national awards and acknowledgment with his winemaking.
He was an avid reader of aviation stories and noteworthy biographies of influential U.S. politicians.
During COVID-19, Herb began writing and nearly completed his first novel, which was a flying adventure story.
He had a heart for community and served on the board of directors for many local organizations throughout the years.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Leslie Weller of Spokane.
Herb is survived by his wife, Barbara Munro of Colville; son, Burt Munro of Colville; step-son, Rory Davis (Cindi) of Kettle Falls, Washington; son-in-law, Jerry Weller of Spokane; "adopted" son, Jason LaFayette of San Diego, California; three grandchildren, Andrew, Jennifer and Alex Weller; his brother, Randy Munro (Cindy) of Spokane; brother-in-law, Ken Weeks Jr. of Lopez Island, Washington, and many special friends.
Mr. Herbert "Herb" M. Munro will be laid to rest at the Fairmount Memorial Park Cemetery in Spokane with family in graveside attendance.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Dominion Meadows Golf Course and The Hub - Colville Senior Center.
Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com. Danekas Funeral Chapel & Crematory is entrusted with arrangements.water, setting the sprinklers, and anything else to help the family operate the ranch.
Carolyn and the kids relocated to the Colville area in 1976, and this brought an opportunity for her to change directions with her career.
Several years after leaving high school to raise her young family, Carolyn went back to get her GED, and then she began taking classes to get her CNA license.
Carolyn began working at nursing homes in Colville, and she provided home health care as well. She even helped one of the nursing homes in town begin their senior lunch program.
On the weekends, Carolyn worked other jobs to make sure that her children had everything they needed to succeed in life.
When her children were younger, Carolyn was a horse 4-H leader, and when the kids were old enough to join 4-H, she returned in a different capacity as an active parent.
Carolyn and the kids stayed active with 4-H, and as they grew up and left the house, Carolyn was given the new title of Grandma, and she was over the moon.
Carolyn and many of her grandchildren spent countless hours watching western movies, especially John Wayne movies, and camping whenever possible, which Carolyn loved.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Edith Henry.
She is survived by her children, Robert (Jeri) Fifer, David Fifer, Belinda (Todd) Dunn, Roberta (Bill) McIrvin, and Ashton "Dean'O" Fifer; her grandchildren, Logan and Garin Fifer, Samantha Yount, Willow Rogers, Stephanie Nauertz, Dustin Snyder, James and Jacoby Dunn, Shanaa Leininger, Natasha Knapp, Hannah McIrvin, and Travis, Brandon, and Corey Fifer; her great-grandchildren, Kyla and Trenton Leininger, Myah Knapp, Brendan Nauertz, Carson, Nolan, and Annabelle Yount, Tayden, Tyson, and Tink Fifer, Remington and Insley Fifer, Grayson and Bryson Fifer, and Asher Fifer, who will be arriving this September; her sisters, Irene (Donald) Thompson and Shirley Orlup; and her brother, Jackie Henry.
A graveside service was held for Carolyn on Friday, April 23, at Mountain View Park in Colville.
Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with her care.