Leroy 'Moose' Hartig was born April 14, 1930 in Milton-Freewater, Ore. and spent his first five years growing up in Cloverland, Asotin County. In 1935, his parents, Louis and Mary Hartig, relocated to Pierce where he attended 1st through 12th grades. He graduated from Pierce High School in 1949. He gained the nickname 'Moose' from his coaches because he was an outstanding athlete that worked hard.

He spent his summer vacations during high school working for the US Forest Service and manning lookouts in the Lochsa and Clearwater districts. After high school, Moose began is lifelong career in the lumber and logging industry. He worked first for Cardiff Lumber Mill, then Fromelt Logging Company before starting his own business, L.W. Hartig Logging, Inc., in the early 1960s. He was a member of the Associated Logging Contractors. He and his wife, Ann, also owned and operated Hartig's Trailer Court in Pierce.

Ann L. Orava was his high school sweetheart and they married June 17, 1949 and celebrated their 66th anniversary shortly before his death Aug. 16, 2015.

Moose had a passion for hunting, fishing, mining and camping with his children and taught them to respect the rugged terrain of the mountains. He enjoyed US history, especially the Civil War, World War I and World War II. He loved gospel and country music, rodeos and watching the 'Rocky' and 'Rambo' movie series. Traveling included trips to Smithsonian Institute and vising friends and relatives in Tennessee and Missouri, as well as several spring time trips to Phoenix.

He will be remembered for the twinkle in his blue eyes, sharp wit and teasing manner. Moose was active in the community, serving as a volunteer coach for basketball, supporting his children's school activities and participating as a member of his church. He was proud to say he lived 80 years of his life in Pierce.

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