Arden Scott Bornitz (64), longtime resident of the Black Lake area, passed away at Kootenai Health on November 8, 2024.  He was born to George and Doris (Hansen) Bornitz on October 21, 1960, in Williston, ND.  Arden grew up at Black Lake and attended school at Rose Lake and Kootenai High School.  He left school early to work for Potlatch Corporation in St. Maries and Potlatch Rutledge Mill in Coeur d' Alene, ID.

On July 4, 1993, Arden married Rita Piggott at the Hitching Post in Coeur d' Alene.  The couple made their home at Black Lake.  The marriage later ended in divorce in October 2016.  Throughout his work history in the timber industry, Arden worked for various logging contractors in the area and spent time at Regulus Stud Mills, Inc.  His final job was at Harrison Dock Builders as a tugboat and crane operator.  He retired after 18 years from HDB.

Arden was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, family, and friends.  When he was younger and his children were of school age, Arden was involved as a Scout Leader, and he supported his kids in baseball.  He and Rita both dedicated many volunteer hours to the NFRA for fundraisers and events.

Arden is survived by his children Keith (Malia) Bornitz of St. Maries, Kyler Bornitz of Black Lake, Chris (Dani) Bornitz of St. Maries, Casey Bornitz of St. Maries, and Cory (Alyse) York of Bellingham, WA; his mother Doris Bornitz of Black Lake; brother Dick (Linda) Bornitz of Black Lake; sister Annette (Rod) Black of Black Lake; 6 grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his father George Bornitz and siblings Lynn Bornitz and George Bornitz Jr.

A memorial service and potluck gathering will be at 12:00 pm on Friday, November 22, 2024, at the Medimont Grange Hall. Please bring a dish and your favorite memory of Arden to share.