David S. Jenkins, 70

“Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty, I’m free at last!” David S. Jenkins, 70, best known as Mr. Jenkins, or his preferred “Jenks,” passed away on Thursday, Oct. 21, 2010, in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010, at the Sandpoint High School gymnasium.

 David was born on Jan. 17, 1940, in Scranton, Pa., to Daniel and Margaret Jenkins. In high school, he was awarded the Carnegie Medal for saving a boy from drowning. He attended Andover Prep and gained admission into Princeton.

 David served his country in the United States Marines. After serving, he attended Denver University where he received his degree in child psychology. David was married three times in his life: Connie Hilton in 1966, Marcia Hart in 1975, and Emily Jenkins in 1986.

 David settled in Sun Valley, Idaho, for 20 years. In the winters he often began his day by hiking to the top of the ski mountain, skiing his first run alone, then riding the chairlift up to meet his class. In the spring, he would hike the surrounding mountains to ski the corn snow after the ski area closed. During the summers, David ran a business taking students into the Sawtooth and Pioneer Mountains. He was also a river guide and swim coach.

In 1990, David moved to Sandpoint. He became a certified Waldorf teacher and worked as a substitute teacher in the local schools, where the students loved his authenticity. David will be remembered for his lessons on the importance of love.

 Throughout his life he was passionate about athletics; spending time rock climbing, skiing, swimming, and bicycle racing. He attended most Sandpoint sporting events, but had a special love for local soccer, where he could often be found sitting on the team bench.

 He is survived by two sons Thomas Jenkins and Lucas Jenkins of Sandpoint; one daughter Bryn Ott of Sandpoint; two granddaughters Midos and Monica; two brothers Daniel Jenkins of Clearwater, Fla., and Buddy Jenkins of Orange County, Calif.; and one sister, Dana Davies of Urbanna, Va., and one daughter-in-law, Stacy Jenkins, who was very dear to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Gwyneth.

 Sweet dreams, Jenks.

 Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Mr. Jenkins’ online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.