Earl Folk, 80

Earl was born Jan. 6, 1930, and passed Nov. 27, 2010. He was born in Kellogg to Einar and Esther Folk. He spent much of his childhood fishing on the North Fork River. At age 16, he worked for the Forest Service as a fire lookout. He spent the time observing wildlife, reading the Bible and writing poetry.

Earl loved school, football, basketball and track. He graduated from Kingston High School class of 1943 as valedictorian. He graduated from the University of Idaho in 1954 magna cum laude and a degree in business and accounting and became a C.P.A.

Earl married his high school sweetheart Georgeann Coker and they celebrated their 61st anniversary in September. They raised two sons, Randy and Greg Folk. Earl was a proud father and grandfather. Roslyn was very special to her pop as was Mia, his youngest grandchild.

Earl served with the U.S. Army Audit Agency from 1955 through 1957 in Atlanta, Ga., and Paris, France. He became Senior Internal Auditor for Carnation Company in Los Angeles. In 1963 he returned to the Silver Valley and became Assistant Controller for the Bunker Hill Company. In 1970 he became VP-Finance for Spokane Industries and remained there until 1985 when he became VP-Finance of Energy Products of Idaho in Coeur d'Alene, until retirement in 1994. Earl was an avid golfer and had been a member of the Coeur d'Alene Public Golf Club Board of Directors.

Earl enjoyed living on the golf course, enjoyed his fellow golfers and appreciated that his neighbors were always there with a helping hand. He felt blessed.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents; brother Eric; and half-brothers, John, Roy and Rudy Carlson.

Earl was a good family man and dearly loved his family. He is survived by his wife, Geogeann; his son, Randy and wife Akiko; his son, Greg and wife Rosie; and grandchildren, Julian, Devin, Zoe, Mia and Roslyn. In addition he is also survived by Mike and Robyn Bencick, Bill and Dee Coker, Linda Backlund, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In the spring there will be a celebration of life and a memorial golf tournament in his name.

Please visit Earl's memorial and sign his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.