George Huffman, 86

George was born the sixth of nine children on Nov. 16, 1926, in Saskatchewan, Canada. He passed away on June 24, 2013, in Coeur d’Alene.

George moved to Coeur d’Alene as a child where his family ran a dairy. He graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1947 where he played baseball. He went on to play baseball with his brothers at North Idaho College.

He received a teaching degree and continued to play baseball at the University of Idaho.

George was drafted into the U.S. Army where he spent two years before being honorably discharged in 1955.

George’s ambition was to play baseball. He reached that goal when he was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies. He played professionally with various teams including the 1956 Spokane Indians before retiring from the game.

It was during this time he met his future wife, Eileen. In 1957, he married Eileen; she preceded him in death in August 2010 after 53 years of marriage.

After ending his baseball career, George and Eileen moved to Coeur d’Alene where their twin boys were born. George continued his love of baseball by coaching. He took his 1963 Cd’A American Legion team to the league championships.

The family moved to Cheney, Wash., in 1965 where George taught and coached baseball at Fisher Junior High.

He continued coaching youth baseball for several years. He left teaching to become a contractor in 1972. After health issues in the 1980s, George became a Spokane County building inspector where he remained until he retired in 1992.

George remained an avid baseball fan whether it was watching his sons, grandsons, or his Mariners play. He loved his Monday golf days with longtime friends. He enjoyed going for drives with his beloved wife and their dachshund, Greta.

George is survived by his sons, Ron and his wife Kelly, and Don; his grandchildren, Marshall, Danae, Kellon, Jordon and Haleigh; his only great grandchild Aiden; his step-daughters Sharon, Llea, Connie, and Ronnie and husband Earl.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the Inland Empire Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. A family memorial service is planned for August in Coeur d’Alene.

The family would like to invite you to an informal celebration to honor George at the CdA Public Golf Course from 4-6 p.m. on July 1.