Tony Bttencourt, 73

Anthony (Tony) Bettencourt, 73, of Mountain Home, died May 16, 2004, at his home, after a 3 1/2 year-long fight with cancer.

At his request, he will be cremated and the only service, for family and friends, will be at his home on Saturday, May 22, at 3 p.m.

Tony was born on March 27, 1931, in Hanford, Calif., to Ida (Bell) and Anthony Rose Bettencourt. He grew up in Hanford and graduated from high school there. He worked laying tile until his enlistment in the Air Force. He spent time in Alaska and other bases, but preferred Mountain Home.

After 17 years in the Air Force, he transferred to the Army and went to Germany. In 1967, in Germany, he became a Scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts of America, an adult leader trainer, and professional scouter, a well as doing his Army job. While there he and his Scouts traveled to Scotland and Switzerland.

Upon returning to Mountain Home he stayed with professional scouting until 1976, when he joined Job Service, and continued in scouting as Scoutmaster for Troop 98.

He retired from Job Service in 1996, and from bail bonding 2002.

In his later years he traveled to Aftica to hunt and enjoy the scenery and the people seven times.

He is survived by: his companion, Freida; a sister and brother-in-law, Cynthia and Larry Garret, of Austin, Texas; three nieces, three great nieces and two great-nephews.

Inlieu-of flowers, donations-may be made in memory of Tony to the Boy Scouts of America.