Gerald Espe, 75

| October 4, 2010 12:03 PM

Gerald V. Espe, 75, of Hayden, passed away at his home on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2010, after a 20-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Jerry was born June 5, 1935, in Kellogg, to Al and Marguerite (Finley) Espe and lived his whole life in the Coeur d'Alene area.

The last 42 years of his working life was at Kaiser Trentwood in Spokane, Wash., but he held many other jobs in his youth.

He loved to travel (making it to all but two states, South Carolina and Hawaii), going to his cabin in Bull Lake, Mont., and especially riding his Honda's, VTX and Shadow, to Sturgis, S.D. Jerry was always quick with a story or a joke, loved bowling up until his illness, and softball in his younger days.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Juan. He leaves behind his sons, Kelly (Jeneen) and Greg (Teresa); grandchildren, Tiffanie and Tracy; great-grandchild, Gideon; step-grandchildren, John, Greg, Jake, Bridgett and Casey; step-great-grandchildren, Gavin and Hallie; his wife of 16 years, Pam and her sons, Monty (Janelle) and Todd Stimson; step-grandchildren, Colin, Sidnaey and Christian; nephew Lorry; niece Laura; great-nephew Joel; great-great-niece Jenneka; and his very special friends, Dave Weingart and Bob Gray.

My husband was my best friend and the most wonderfully unique, trustworthy, funny, dedicated, loyal, brave, tough, hardworking man I've ever known. I hope he knows how much he was loved and how deeply he will be missed. May you rest in peace my "Crazy Norwegian."

I would like to thank Dr. Samuels, Dr. Davenport, Dr. Kelly and the staff at the North Idaho Cancer Center for their care, and also my dear friend and greatest supporter, Brook.

Those wishing may contribute to the Kootenai Humane Society, 1600 E. Seltice Way, Post Falls, ID 83854 or Hospice of North Idaho Building Fund, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835.

Per his request, private burial will take place in Forest Cemetery with Yates Funeral Home in care of the arrangements. You may visit Jerry's memorial and sign his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.