Friends remember David Logan as a man with a big heart

SANDPOINT — Sandpoint head soccer coach Adam Tajan had a front row seat as Joab Logan wreaked havoc on goalies as one of the top high school soccer players in North Idaho for a couple years.

David Logan also had a front row seat, manning the sidelines in support of his son, as well as all of the kids that he had been watching during years of youth soccer.

When David Logan passed away in March from cancer, it shook many in the tight-knit soccer community that inhabits Sandpoint. Tajan was one of those, calling Logan an awesome person and one of his all-time favorite parents.

“He was always out at practice, encouraging the guys, encouraging me as a coach,” recalled Tajan. “The ultimate soccer dad, you just loved having him around.”

One particular gesture sticks with Tajan to this day. A couple of years ago, his daughter Nina was born, as fate would have it right before Tajan was to chaperone his team to a week-long soccer camp at Oregon State University.

As head coach, Tajan figured he had no choice but to go with the team, and would simply have to miss the time with his new daughter. Logan would have none of it.

“He said ‘no way, you need to stay with your family, I’d be happy to drive the team down,’” described Tajan. “He took a week off to stay with the team at Oregon State University, and didn’t bat an eye. He just loved to watch soccer.”

Logan watched as his son Joab found the back of the net often, one of the toughest marks in the state as a target forward. Last fall, Joab had a strong season as a starter for George Fox University.

Logan will join a host of other current and former college soccer players who will be in action on Friday night in the North Idaho Cup, when the Green Monarchs Football Club hosts the Montana Flathead Rapids in action at War Memorial Field. The SHS alumni women will kick off the festivities at 5:30 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 7 p.m.

It’s the kind of event that speaks to the roll soccer plays in this community. When was the last time you saw a game of basketball, football, or baseball in Sandpoint that was played almost entirely by current and former college and pro players?

“It should be a blast,” predicted Tajan, who is eager to play with many of his former players, including Joab. “He’ll be playing on Friday night. He was a starter and key offensive guy at George Fox.”

The game is part of a busy week of soccer in Sandpoint, including more than 200 youth taking part in the Strikers Soccer School all week, and a fundraiser for David Logan on Saturday night.

Alison Burgstahler, whose son Matthew played for years with Joab, will be one of the many friends and soccer supporters on hand to show support for the Logan family. She recalled David fondly.

“He had a big heart. He was at every event, and was kind of everyone’s dad on the sidelines,” remembered Burgstahler. “David went to JV games just to cheer the kids, even though Joab was on varsity.”

The spirit of Logan will remain alive and well in all who knew him, including daughter Chloe and wife Kris. Local Lawson Tate coached Joab as a youth, and was one of the many who were sad to hear of David’s passing. Tate called him a kind, loyal advocate for the kids and the community.

“He was passionate about and actively supportive of the interests of his children,” described Tate. “I have zero doubt about this: David is far beyond proud and admirable of the son he raised, as they both are of impeccable character, pure demeanor and have lion hearts. Thinking of David reminds me of what I hope I can instill as a father into my young sons.”