Russell Lee "Gus" Banta, 55, passed away 5 November 2006 at his home, surrounded by family and friends. Russ Lee Banta was born 25 July 1951 in Salmon to Frederick Russell and Nancy Banta. While growing up in the Salmon area. He took great pride in his animals and received a number of first place awards for 4-H dairy in show Class. After graduating from high school in 1969, Gus left for adventure in Europe with his best friend Jay Edwards. In 1976, Russ broke his neck in a diving accident. He spent the following year recuperating with his parents and sisters in Boise. Judy and Shelly loved having big brother home again. In 1978, Gus bought the Silver Spur Saloon which immediately became the place to be for all his old firends and the many new ones he made. Gus never knew a stranger and never had an unkind thing to say about anyone. If anyone needed a hand, he was the first one to step forward. In 1980, he moved the house from above the old IGA to his beautiful spot on the Salmon-Lemhi Rivers. This would be his beloved home for the rest of his life. He spent the mid-eighties in Alaska. Banta was an accomplished carpenter and concrete layer. After returning to Salmon, he met his new love, Vicky, and her two daughters. Gus and Vicky had many great years together and with both of them being such great personalities, plenty of fireworks. Gus grew to be a friend and caring dad to the girls. In 1990, he nearly lost his lost arm while helping a friend saw firewood. With Vicky helping tend the wounds, Gus was able to cope and learned to swing a hammer with his right hand. In 1994 a new light came into his eyes with the birth of a grandchild. It shown brighter with each new grandchild. He enjoyed playing with those kids. He enjoyed fishing and hunting yet remained a home body and was most content in this valley with family and friends. Gus is survived by his father, Frederick Russell Banta; wife, Vicky Kay Banta; two stepdaughters, Micky (Mike) Weatherby of Boise and Kimberly Knapp of Challis; brothers and partners, Curt and Alan Banta; two little sisters, Judy (Leonard) Larson and Shelly (Todd) Buhler; nine grandchildren, Kaylob, Kylee, Casey, Dakota, Tessa, Shelby, Amber, Courtney and Tyler; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Nancy Banta, a nephew; and both paternal and maternal grandparents. Services were held 11 November 2006 at the Salmon River Funeral Chapel.