David Albert Scherb, 77

David Albert Scherb, 77, passed away on Thursday, May 9, 2019, at his home in Hope, Idaho, surrounded by the family he loved, overlooking Lake Pend Oreille and a view of Schweitzer.

David was born in Southgate, Calif., to Albert and Evelyn Scherb. He grew up and attended primary school in San Bernardino County then San Bernardino Junior College before serving in the United States Army. After serving in the Army, David worked as a surveyor for E.L. Yeager and was instrumental in the original layout of the Westlake Village development near Ventura, Calif.

David was introduced to his one love, Janou Lage, on a blind date. Three years later they were married on August 16, 1969, in Adelanto, Calif. They settled in Pasadena where David earned his bachelor degree and commenced working for L.A. County as a personnel analyst for 10 years. He returned to Cal State LA in 1978 to earn a teaching credential.

A loving commitment to Janou ensured an eventual move to Bonner County, a place Janou had spent many summers as a teenager. The old Samowen house was purchased in 1974 and the family moved to Hope in 1980. David worked for Motorola Communications for three years and then started teaching in Bonner County. Kootenai School, Ninth Grade Center, and the Gifted &Talented program kept him teaching until his retirement in 2006.

David was a self-taught artist and his passion was oil painting. That love occupied much of his time and he was featured in galleries in La Jolla, Carmel, Sun Valley, Seattle, Spokane, and Sandpoint. David had many interests which included sculling, kayaking, snow skiing, hiking, traveling Europe, watching classic science fiction films, reading historical non-fiction, and working on the property he treasured so much. Over the years, David opened his heart and his home to many who considered him a father figure. People often referred to him as a renaissance man for he embodied fitness and diverse intellectual and artistic pursuits. David could be found most days of the year on the lake in his beloved rowing scull or kayak, in the yard, or in his art studio.

He is survived by his wife, Janou Scherb of Hope; a son, Tyson Scherb of Des Moines, Wash.; a daughter, Elisa Owens and husband Mitch of Seattle, Wash.; and two grandchildren, Griffin, 4 1/2, and Reid, 1 1/2.

There are simply no words to describe our immense loss. David was a caring and devoted husband, father and Papere to his adoring grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.

In lieu of sending flowers, please make a donation supporting research for Mesothelioma, mesorfa.org/support/ or Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America, 3011 Townsgate Road, Suite 450; Westlake Village, CA 91361

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