George S. Toews, 89

George S. Toews passed away Sunday afternoon in Coeur d’Alene, with family and friends at his side following a short illness.

George was born in St. Anne, Manitoba on April 18, 1921, to Jacob and Katherine Toews. George married his sweetheart, Margaret R. Isaac, on April 13, 1972, and loved her dearly for a lifetime. George was a general contractor in residential construction for many years in Spokane, and Anchorage, Alaska, before his retirement in 2000. George also had several horse and cattle ranches in Montana and had a business of guiding elk hunts and packing in the Bitteroot Selway Wilderness.

His personal enjoyment in later years was spending time doing fine leather working, handcrafting equine harness saddlery and designing pack equipment. George loved being with his family and doing outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing and camping. In his younger years he loved riding his horse, Laddy, in the mountains of Montana — matching wits with bull elk that he hunted.

George is survived by his wife, Margaret, children Bette, Jim and Rudy, nine grand children and five great-grand children. Also, brothers and sisters Monroe, Roy, Bertha, Lorraine and Marlene. Preceded in death is his son Bobby and brother John.

Margaret would like to thank Hospice of North Idaho, including the hospice team at the hospital; Dr. Ancher and staff, with special thanks to Katy, Aline and especially Todd for his wonderful care.

Viewing will be from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, July 11, 2010. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 12, 2010, all at Yates Funeral Home, Hayden Chapel, 373 E. Hayden Ave., with reception to follow. Graveside services will be at 3 p.m. Monday, July 12, 2010, at Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, Wash.

Please visit George’s memorial and sign his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.