Edward 'Ed' James Ham, 91

Edward “Ed” James Ham, 91, passed away in Sandpoint, Idaho, on Sunday, Aug. 30 2009, at the Valley Vista Care Center.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5, in Coffelt’s Funeral Chapel. Interment will be in Pinecrest Memorial Park in Sandpoint.

Family and friends may call at Coffelt Funeral Service in Sandpoint, on Saturday, from 9 a.m. until service time to pay their respects.

Ed was born on Aug. 3, 1918, the son of George and Lillian Ham in Philipsburg, Mont.

The family moved to Sandpoint in 1925, where he has spent the remainder of his life.

He graduated from Sandpoint High School in 1937 and married Helen Bonner on Dec. 27, 1938, in Sandpoint.

He worked, with his father George Ham, at the Savon Grocery Store, on Cedar Street.

Ed drove school bus for the Bonner County School District for several years and worked for Sand-point Furni-ture, laying carpet, for 25 years prior to retirement in 1983.

Ed was an outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, and golfing.

He especially liked picking huckleberries in the mountains.

Ed enjoyed spectator sports including football, basketball, and golf tournaments. He liked it so much that he would watch two TVs at a time. He encouraged, and supported, his grandchildren by attending their sporting events.

He was very competitive and liked to win at board games and cards. Family and friends would gather at the Ham house to play games.

He was a member of Sandpoint Elks Lodge No. 1376, enjoying his membership and playing golf at the Elk’s Club.

Ed will be remembered for his love of family and his attendance at birthdays, graduations, and other special occasions.

His family is grateful for the compassionate care he received at Valley Vista Care Center and from Dr. Leedy.

He is survived by his children, Terri (and Don) Albertson of Sandpoint, and Larry (and Donna) Ham of Moscow; six grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild; and his sister, Naomi Hagadone; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Helen, and 2 sisters Emma Martin, and Lucille Bottcher and a great granddaughter.

Memorials may be made to the Bonner County Historical Society in memory of Ed Ham.

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

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service of Sandpoint.