Colfax grads remember Coach Jack Bafus

The Colfax alumni luncheon in Spokane Aug. 5. had a turnout of 36 grads and a total of 50 attending. First timers were Don Steiger, Menlo Park, Calif., in Colfax for the summer; Don and Marion Helt Hill., in Coeur d’Alene for three months to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary and renew their wedding vows; Jack Helt, Pittsburgh, Pa., harvesting in Endicott.

Larry Gunn took a day off from harvesting to pay tribute to his favorite coach; Barbara Lindley Clampett and Sally Pierson Russom drove over from the Seattle area; Mavis Miller Jensen, Post Falls; Joe Evans, Spokane, and Steve Kammerzell, Spokane, were other first timers.

Coach Jerry Martin emceed a celebration for the life of Coach Jack Bafus. Coach Martin remembered Coach Bafus’ basketball teams throughout the years praising both the players and Bafus. Mrs. Bafus brought photos and memorabilia she has gathered over the years. Some of the Bafus’ friends also came. Jeff Overholser, former coach for Palouse, was there to remember his days playing against Colfax. Gunn told stories about playing for Coach Bafus, and Steve Kammerzell related how he placed chickens in the Bafus car to roost overnight.

All Colfax Alumni might want to consider this: The Class of 1952 decided in 2006 to honor their classmates by establishing an endowment. This action was selected after careful consideration as a way to leave a continuing contribution honoring fallen classmates, remembering and expressing gratitude for the education received and the teachers who influenced our lives. Their class issues a challenge to others to consider an endowment as a method of expressing appreciation and aiding the education of deserving CHS seniors with scholarships.

The next luncheon will be on Monday, Oct. 7.