Former Clearwater County Sheriff Leroy A. Altmiller was born in Ahsahka Oct. 9, 1934 to Albert and Ruth Altmiller and died Sept. 16, 2011 after a long struggle with cancer. He was the oldest of four children.

He spent his youth working in the woods and exploring the North Fork of the Clearwater River. He lettered in boxing, baseball, football and track before graduating from Orofino High School.

Leroy met his wife, Janice Maxwell, when he was nine years old, on a trip to visit his cousin. When he came home from serving in Korea with the Marine Corps, the two married and lived in Bremerton, WA, where they welcomed their oldest son, Jon. They soon moved to Kamiah where he served in local law enforcement as an officer and later as chief of police. There they welcomed their second son, Jerry. The family moved to Headquarters and then to Orofino after he was elected Clearwater County Sheriff. He served for 10 years. He then moved to Lewiston where he acted as security director of Potlatch Corp. for almost 20 years. He was a respected member of the law enforcement community nationwide and remembered as a just, strong man.

He loved the outdoors and spent as much time as he could fishing, hunting and camping. He shared his enthusiasm and knowledge of archery and guns with many in the community, running an archery shop after retirement and offering hunting advice. Leroy was a master-class competitive shooter and taught many law enforcement officials and young shooters, including all three of his granddaughters.

Visiting with Nick Albers, one of his former deputies, I learned that Leroy's eyes turned black when he was angry. He studied Idaho Code extensively and encouraged Nick to do the same.

Leroy was also a good pilot and an excellent shot. Nick said Leroy would go out and spot people 40 points and still beat everyone.

Nick also said that Leroy's boys were two of his favorite things. Unfortunately, they both preceded Leroy in death.

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