Patrick D. Kaufman

Patrick D. Kaufman went to his Heavenly Father on Dec. 28, 2004 in the presence of his family.

A graveside service with longtime friend, the Rev. Donald Riffle officiating, was held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2004, at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise.

Pat was born on March 14, 1933 in Clarkston, Wash. He was educated in Sandpoint and later played basketball at North Idaho College, Gonzaga University and Idaho State University. He earned his master's degree in education from the University of Idaho.

He lived his life almost exclusively in Idaho and with his high school sweetheart, Phyllis. Phyl and Pat were married more than 50 years and their union brought forth six children, all of whom reside in Idaho.

The first part of their marriage saw Pat overseas after volunteering for the U.S. Army. He then returned to his native Sandpoint and began his successful teaching and coaching career. Coach Kaufman, with Frances "Mac" McDonnell and Cotton Barlow, brought Sandpoint High School athletics teams in the 1960s to a very competitive level. Pat's varsity basketball teams competed successfully at the 5A state tournaments. His work with students and his four years as a varsity letterman earned him induction into the Sandpoint High School Hall of Fame. His years of touching the lives of teenagers took his career to Boise, Moscow, and Nampa until his retirement.

Pat is survived by his sweetheart of more than 53 years, Phyllis; a sister, Kay Kaufman of Torrance, Calif.; children, Rich (Cindy) Kaufman, Steve (Laurie) Kaufman, Mike (Wava) Kaufman, Kori (Al) Thol, Mark (Holly) Kaufman, and Lisa (Jason) Hamilton; grandchildren, Ryan, Shawn, Kristin, Patrick James, Joe, Kaci, Reid, Paxton, Elle, Olivia, Kaden, Reece and Justin and Marcus Elliott.

The family suggests that memorials be made in Pat's name to the Boise Schools Education Foundation, 8169 W. Victory, Boise, ID 83709.

Services are under the direction of Summers Funeral Homes, Boise Chapel.