John Edward Hoskins, 91

John Edward Hoskins, passed away March 16, 2011, of natural causes. Comforting John at his passing were his son David and wife Patricia and the loving staff at the Creekside Inn. John was born on Feb. 2, 1920, to Floyd and Ruby (Merchant) Hoskins in Coin, Iowa. Born and raised on the family farm, he graduated from Coin High School in 1937.

In 1938, John migrated to Hollywood, Calif., to work for his uncle Bill Notthoff, a plumbing contractor, where he began as a ditch digger yet through hard work and determination attained his journeyman's plumbing license by 1941.

During World War II, John proudly served in the U.S. Navy as a shipfitter at the submarine squadron base in Kodiak, Alaska, where he earned the rank of Chief Petty Officer. After the war, John returned to his uncle's shop to work on several noted movie star's homes.

Through a longtime friend and neighbor from Coin, John was introduced to his future bride, Lorane Nordstrom of Shenandoah, Iowa, who was also living in Los Angeles. After their wedding in 1947, John attained his Masters' plumbing license and then his plumbing contractor's license. He and Lorane relocated to Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., where John operated his own plumbing shop until 1960. During this epoch, John and Lorane welcomed the birth of their daughter Hillary Ann and son David.

Always athletic, John became an avid golfer, and at one point became a "scratch" golfer; he played practice rounds with the likes of Gene Littler, Billy Casper and the legendary Sam Snead. Tired of contracting, John and Lorane sold their home and shop, bought property in Port Charlotte, Fla., and moved. Finding Florida too hot and humid, John and family promptly headed back to California where they settled in an even hotter Fresno, Calif., where John returned to contracting. When John's health failed him, he retired in 1973.

After son, David and wife Patricia moved to North Idaho in 1979, John and Lorane soon followed to become longtime residents of this beautiful area. They built their home on 10 acres near Spirit Lake after which John pursued his passion for gardening, fishing, helping others, and in the winter, candy making.

John's gardens were always bountiful enough to feed an entire neighborhood. He grew varieties of flowers which he dried for Lorry's crafts and decorations. He enjoyed making varieties of chocolate delicacies which he shared with everyone who loved chocolates.

Desiring shorter commutes, John and Lorane built their dream home in Dalton Gardens in 1991 where he was able to tend his huge garden until the age of 88. John was a gregarious man who truly never met a stranger. Always a story teller, he loved to share his tales of life during the Great Depression, his memories of Hollywood, his naval experiences, and a myriad of humorous plumbing stories. Being a natural problem solver and meticulous craftsman he was continually generous with his time and talents to help his children or anyone in need of assistance.

John was a caring and compassionate man who always put other's needs before his own to extend a helping hand to anyone in need of assistance. John was a beloved grandfather who never missed a recital, concert or graduation. As Lorane's health declined, and she became confined to a wheelchair, John was her dedicated caregiver and devoted companion. John was preceded in death by wife Lorane of 61 years.

He is survived his son, David and wife Patricia of Havden, and their children Kristine and Todd Keller of Billings, Mont., and Kelsey and Joe Plummer of Winnemucca, Nev.; and daughter Hillary Ann Matheson and children Amanda and husband John Rickerd of Boise, Pamela and husband Kale McFarlane, and Roger and wife Carrie Sue Matheson of Coeur d'Alene. Great-grandchildren include Brendan, Caitlin, Sophie and Peyton Rickerd, Meghan, Saige and Tristan McFarlane, and Austyn, Tanner, Samuel and Jesse Matheson.

David and Pat would like to express their gratitude and heartfelt thanks to the wonderful, caring, and loving staff at the Creekside Inn where John resided for the past year: Monica, Nikki, Nick, Christina, Tiffany, Candi, Ami, Beverly, Mike, Dale, April, Sam, Jennifer, Debbie, Cheryl, Shawnna, Chelsie, Carolyn, Jason, Julie, Ivy, Brooke and Shirley who did far more than simply care for him but always treated him like he was their own grandfather with tenderness, love and compassion.

David and Pat also want to express their heartfelt gratitude to the incredible people from Hospice who also cared for John: Kim, Colleen, Grant, Hailey and all others who cared for his needs and eased his peaceful transition from this life and into his next.

Yates Funeral Homes has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.