Alton (Ollie) Prouty

Alton (Ollie) Prouty passed away on Oct. 7, 2021, in Weiser, Idaho.  

 Alton was born in Weiser on July 4, 1939, the 12th child of Kenneth and Katherine (Gleim) Prouty.  

 He grew up in the Dixie Creek area to the northeast of Midvale, Idaho, graduating from Midvale High School in 1957. 

 The early years of his adult life were spent working outside, first as a logger, then as a driller at a mine near Lime, Ore.

 On a blind date, arranged by his brother Frank, he met Carole Jean Stiles. A romance ensued and on June 26, 1959, they were married in Weiser. A family followed with the births of Alan Leslie, Kami Lynn and Troy Ray.

 Alton worked at the Albertsons’ stores in Weiser and Ontario before transitioning to a job with the City of Weiser, operating the drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities. This was the start of a nearly four-decade long career in wastewater treatment and related environmental work.  

 Alton was among the initial group of individuals who received the first certifications in the State of Idaho to operate wastewater treatment facilities.   

 In 1974, he took a job in Walla Walla, Wash., to begin the operation of one of the first treatment facilities in the United States designed specifically for the treatment and land application of food industry wastewater.  

 He finished his career in Medical Lake, Wash. with the startup of one of the most advanced wastewater treatment facilities in the Northwest.

 During his career in wastewater treatment, Alton was known for his extensive, practical knowledge of wastewater treatment and his friendly demeanor. These characteristics were valued by his industry peers as he held several leadership roles over the decades in the Pacific Northwest Pollution Control Association, served on State of Washington advisory boards and received multiple awards recognizing his expertise and contributions.  

 He was selected as Wastewater Operator of the Year two times, received the Arthur Sidney Bedell Award for extraordinary personal service to the industry and in 1991 received the Dr. William D. Hatfield Award (from the Water Environment Federation) for his outstanding performance and professionalism in the field of wastewater treatment.

 Ollie loved the outdoors and he loved Idaho, especially the Black Lake area north of Council. Almost nothing was better than being out camping and fishing with the family.  These adventures were the source of much fun and great memories.  

 Along the way too, he passed on to his children the value of hard work, the importance of honesty, helping others and giving to the community.  

 He was a member of the Weiser Volunteer Fire Department and served as the Assistant Fire Chief for a number of years, he helped with a number of community events, and coached youth sports, in particular baseball.  

 These activities were in addition to being a very committed husband and involved father. He was always there for the family, readily assisted with school projects, and often provided a helping hand with our jobs. He will be tremendously missed.

 Alton is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carole, brothers Kay, Warren, and Edgar; children Alan (spouse Shelley), Kami and Troy (spouse Colleen), grandchildren Ciara Cummins, Kenneth Prouty and Ruby Prouty and a number of nephews and nieces including his special niece, Jennifer Tarum.  

 Preceding him in death were his parents, sisters Mary, Dorothy, Lillian, Catherine and Marie, brothers Charles, Ralph, Bill, Allen, Frank, Norman and Galen.

 A remembrance of Alton’s life will be held at the Church of the Redeemer, 718 State Street, in Weiser, at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, Nov. 13.