Garth Bernard Lybbert, 85

Garth Bernard Lybbert, 85, passed peacefully on Sept. 28, 2012, at his home in Hayden.

Garth was born Nov. 19, 1926, in Cardston, Alberta, Canada. He was raised and attended local schools in Hartley, Glenwood and Calgary. He completed his associate’s degree and began teaching school (grades 7-9) in Mountain View, Alberta.

Garth was drafted into the U.S. Army in early 1946 and served as a corporal during the occupation of Japan. Upon returning, he married his sweetheart Du’Elle Earl on Sept. 25, 1947, in Cardston, Alberta.

At the age of 21, he began his career in Moses Lake, Wash., as manager of the Grange Supply Store. He continued managing farm supply and implement businesses while living in various communities in the Columbia Basin. In 1966, he became part owner and Chief Financial Officer of Evergreen Implement in Othello, Wash., until his retirement in 1992 after which Garth and Du’Elle relocated to Hayden.

Garth’s interests included spending time with his family, church service, gardening and appreciating music, especially the big band era.

Garth is preceded in death by his parents, C.F. Bernard Lybbert and Arabella (Bennion) Lybbert; brother Rex and sister Thelma. He is survived by his wife, Du’Elle Lybbert; three children, Shayne (Lybbert) Fillmore, Julie (Lybbert) McKernan and M. Garth Lybbert; brothers, Kay Lybbert, Ted Lybbert, Robert Lybbert, Richard Lybbert, Scott Lybbert and Todd Lybbert; sister Betty Jean (Lybbert) Bilanzich; 14 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

The family extends their gratitude for the loving and competent care provided by Evelyn and the staff at Fresenius Medical Care in Hayden, Chris and Dave and the staff at River City Hospice.

Viewing will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 5, 2012, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 407 E. Honeysuckle Ave., Hayden, with funeral services starting at 11 a.m. at the same location.

Interment will be immediately following the service, 2:15 p.m. at Eastern Washington Veterans Cemetery, 21702 West Espanola Road, Medical Lake, Wash. Military honors will take place at that time. (www.dva.wa.gov/eastern_wa_vet_cemetery.html for driving directions)

Funeral services will be provided by Bell Tower Funeral Home, Post Falls. Please visit Garth’s online memorial at http://www.belltowerfuneralhome.com.