Gary Eugene Eich, 78
Gary Eugene Eich, 78, went to be with the Lord on January 28, 2019, in his home with loved ones around him and joining his son, Sean up in heaven.
Gary was born on October 5, 1940, in Cocolalla, Idaho, at home. He graduated from Sandpoint High School and after graduation went into the Army for two years.
He married Carol Pederson on July 4, 1963, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. They moved onto a farm in Selle Valley and were married for 55 years and where they raised their two children, Debbie and Sean. He logged with his brother Dean and some of his nephews for over 40 years.
He loved nature, fishing, hunting, watching football. He also loved traveling over to Portland to see his daughter’s family. In Portland, he enjoyed going to his grandkids’ sporting events, spending time with the employees at his son-in-law’s tugboat business, going down the river on the tugboats and going to the Portland Trailblazer games with his family.
His neighbors, Arnie’s and the Pack River Store, are going to miss his presence patrolling around the Selle area in his pickup truck.
Also, his last year brought him joy having his caretaker, Christina’s family live with him and seeing their horses and pigs on his farm each day as he loved farming and farm animals.
He is survived by his wife, Carol; his daughter, Debra Shaver; his grandchildren, Rickie McKee, Brooke Shaver, Ashley Shaver, Christopher Shaver, and Haley Shaver; five great-grandchildren; a brother, Glen Eich, of Cocolalla; two sisters, Lois Davis of Sagle, Idaho, and Gayle Wemhoff of St. Maries, Idaho; many nieces and nephews in the Sandpoint, Idaho, area; and former son-in-law, Steve Shaver.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Mabel and Herman Eich; his son, Sean Eich; and siblings, Don Eich and Dean Eich.
A celebration of life will be held Oct. 5, 2019, at the Cocolalla Grange (Old School House), 315 Cocolalla Loop Road, for family and friends. An open house will be held from 12-3 p.m.; appetizers will be served.
Family and friends are invited to sign Gary’s online guest book at coffeltfuneral.com.
Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service of Sandpoint.