George Koich, 84

George Koich, 84, passed away on Monday, June 22, 2009, in Sandpoint, Idaho.

A celebration of George’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 28, 2009, at Jim Hickey’s residence, 6425 Hickey Road, Sandpoint.

George was born on Sept. 9, 1924, in Los Angeles, Calif. He grew up and attended schools in Victorville, graduating from high school there. As a young man he enjoyed working as a cowboy.

During the war he worked in machine shops. George married Patricia Bowers in Los Angeles in the mid-1940s, she preceded him in death in 1998.

George worked for Beverly Hills Ford for 22 years prior to opening George Koich Automotive in Burbank. In 1979 he bought property in Sandpoint, where he moved in 1982 and built a log home.

George was a “jack of all trades,” and he enjoyed working on old cars and farm equipment. He could fix anything with the attitude, “keep trying and never give up.” He also said, “Don’t ever be afraid to say I don’t know.”

George met Patricia “Rusty” Petersen, a special friend, in the Tri-Cities, Wash., in 2000. He enjoyed traveling with Rusty and visiting her grandchildren. George was a member of the Panhandle Antique Tractor and Engine Club. He enjoyed restoring equipment, camping, fishing, waterskiing, riding motorcycles, cooking, reading and especially helping others.

He is survived by a special companion, Patricia “Rusty” Petersen of  Tri-Cities, Wash.; a daughter, Lory (Dan) Adams of Richland, Wash.; two sons, Tim (Laurie Brown) Koich of Sandpoint and Chris Koich of Sandpoint; a granddaughter, Amanda (Olin) Leader of Boise, Idaho; two brothers, Mel and Paul Koich; and a nephew, John Koich of New York.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, John and Julia Koich, his stepmother, Addie Koich; his wife, Patricia; a brother, John; and a sister, Ann.

Memorial donations may be made to Bonner Community Hospice, PO Box 1448, Sandpoint, ID 83864.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements.

Please visit George’s online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.