Sandpoint "No Kings" Rally

 

Diane Ekwortzell Gartrell passed away unexpectedly a few short weeks ago. 

She was a beloved and admired friend to many here in Sandpoint where she was born.  Diane and my older brother Mike started first grade at Lincoln School together.

Diane traveled the world with her husband through his career and then returned to Sandpoint where the couple established a beautiful small farm. 

Her passions were always evident, especially those regarding animals and the country she so loved. 

Before her passing, Diane had prepared the poster above to carry during yesterday's "No Kings" rally in Sandpoint. 

Her spirit was clearly evident yesterday as her sister-in-law Pat brought the poster and displayed it throughout the rally near the Courthouse and Community Hall. 

I'm sure Diane was smiling from above as her message and that of hundreds of others resonated through the upbeat and enthusiastic gathering of at least 1,200 attendees. 

Miss you, Diane, but felt your spirit. 

 

On the last day of her 46th year, Annie Love (yellow slicker on left), formerly of Sandpoint, Idaho, attended a "No Kings" rally in Seattle with her friends. 

BTW:  Laurel in the other yellow top with the sunflowers is also from Sandpoint and one of Annie's Sandpoint High classmates.  

Like those who attended in Sandpoint, Annie enjoyed a positive experience at the Seattle rally. 

And, today she is 47. 

Happy Birthday, Annie Love, from Mom and Dad Love. 

Hope you have a wonderful day AND that Seattle wins the opportunity to compete in the World Series. That would be a nice present for you and all other Mariner faithful. 

They may have been talking ZAGS.  That's Lynn from our general neighborhood visiting with Bill. 

Lynn seldom misses a ZAGS game. 

It didn't take Bill and Johanna Munson to break into a good conversation, once they met. 

Johanna, who graduated from Sandpoint High in 1974, worked as a lawyer and as a problem solver in a variety of areas, including the BLM. 

Great to see her after so many years. 

And, to put it mildly, Sandpoint hosted a great rally with hundreds of civic-minde, informed citizens, happy to still have their voices heard. 

Let us pray that such a priceless and necessary freedom never goes away. 

Enjoy the photos.