Stephen Hartley Church, 67

Stephen Hartley Church, known as "Stevie" to his family and many friends, passed away at home on Aug. 13, 2011, with his beloved wife, Connie, and his twin brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Michelle Church, by his side.

Stevie was well known for his quick wit, his contagious laugh and joyous outlook on life. He was born April 21, 1944, in San Mateo, Calif., and grew up in southern California and Spokane. He graduated from San Jose State University and then served in the Air National Guard and U.S. Air Force before becoming a pilot for United Airlines. After completing a 34-year career with United, he moved to Hayden Lake in 2001 to spend his summertime retirement close to Larry and Michelle. Soon after arriving in Hayden Lake, he met and married Connie. They have spent their winters in Tucson, Ariz., for several years.

His parents, Hartley and Dorothy Church, preceded Steve in death. In addition to his wife; twin brother and sister-in-law; his sister, Twonnette "Toni" Mackey; his nieces, Kristi Kelley and Kelly Flores; his nephews, Robert and Jeff Church and their spouses as well as numerous grandnieces and grandnephews, survive him; as do Connie's father and stepmother, Ron and Rose Chaney of Sandpoint, whom he affectionately called "Our Folks," and, of course, the puppers, Piglet and Gypsy Rose.

A celebration of Stevie's life will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, 2011, at the Hayden Lake Country Club. Another celebration will be held in Tucson later this fall.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Steve's name to Kootenai Humane Society (P.O. Box 1005, Hayden, ID 83835), Humane Society of Southern Arizona (3450 N. Kelvin Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85716) or the charity of your choice. Yates Funeral Homes has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.