Daniel LeRoy Irving, 65

Daniel LeRoy Irving, 65, of Sandpoint, Idaho, died Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009, at his home following a short  battle with cancer.

He was born July 7, 1944 in Phoenix, Ariz., to Dixie and Marvin Irving and grew up in Oakland, Calif.

He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served four years and was a Vietnam veteran. At 22, he married Mary Ellen Costa. They moved to Pittsburg, Calif., where they raised their family and lived for 33 years. In 2000 they moved to Sandpoint where he has since resided.

Daniel worked as a surveyor until his retirement in 1999. He was the supervisor of surveying crews, where his skills of exactness served perfectly.

He loved God, his family, and gardening. He spent hours in his garden, which he said, “was ever changing.” He even planted 58 trees at the family home in Sandpoint to celebrate his wife's 58th birthday.

He is survived  by his mother, Dixie Nadine Machado; his great aunt, Mildred Carrier; an uncle, Theron Irving; a sister,: Sandra Irving Alamillo; three brothers:, Tim Irving, Al and Tony Machado; his wife, Mary Ellen Irving; daughter, Dana Scholes; son, Michael Irving; and by three grandchildren, Amanda Allen, Katelyn and Kimberly Scholes; and by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Irving;  a brother, John Michael Irving; and a daughter, Leah Katherine Irving,

Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, with Father Dennis C. Day, officiating.

Family and friends are invited to sign Daniel's online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Care of Coffelt Funeral Service of Sandpoint.