John Tamasonis, 61

John Tamasonis, 61, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer at Pinewood Hospice Care Center in Coeur d'Alene, on Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010. John was born in Riverside, Calif., on Sept. 11, 1949, to Peter and Phyllis (Snyder) Tamasonis.

John married Catherine Harding on Dec. 31, 1988.

John worked as a Dental Technician his entire adult life, and was a master of his craft.

John enjoyed hanging out with family, fishing and observing the weather.

A word from his children:

Joseph: My father wanted his children to be happy and successful, and because of that he always stressed the importance of education. His encouragement influenced my decision to attend Boise State University, and my choice to attend college made him very proud. I appreciate the love and support he gave me through the years, and I will miss watching Boise State football and playing disc golf with him.

Lacy: My daddy's No. 1 priority was his family. No matter his condition, he worked hard every single day to ensure the well-being of his children. He hugged his family every morning when he woke, every day when he returned from work, and tucked his kids in every night with hugs, smooches and butterfly-kisses. He had no problem acting like the big kid he was and he encouraged the silliness of his children. He will be missed by his "big fella," and "little songbird."

John is survived by his wife, Catherine at their family home in Post Falls; two children: Joseph of Boise and Lacy at home; his sister, Jan in Riverside; and two brothers, Joe of Post Falls and Peter of Riverside.

John is preceded in death by his mother, Phyllis Tamasonis.

Memorials may be made to The Tamasonis Memorial Fund at any Wells Fargo Bank branch.

English Funeral Chapel, Coeur d'Alene, was entrusted with John's arrangements.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 21, 2010, at Faith Ministries, 5073 E. 16th Ave., Post Falls.

Please sign John Tamasonis' guest registry and view his online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.