Gary Mark Johnson, 63

Gary Mark Johnson, 63, passed away peacefully at his home in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014, after a long battle with cancer.

Gary was born on Feb. 22, 1951, in St. Paul, Minn. After leaving Minnesota, he spent several years enjoying the mountains of Montana before settling in Coeur d'Alene. Gary was a graduate of the University of Minnesota.

Gary loved the outdoors and was an avid sports fan. He loved his Minnesota sports team, the Vikings, the Twins, the Wild, the Timberwolves and his alma mater, the Golden Gophers.

He was preceded in death by his parents Marvel Heinen Johnson and Almer Johnson, and his brother Michael A. Johnson.

Survivors include his fiance' and life-long partner of 19 years, Kathy G. Beechler; her loving children Evangeline, Elizabeth and Erik Beechler; his sister and brother-in-law Sherry J. Finnegan and Myles Finnegan; his sister-in-law Carol Johnson; nephews Keith J. Finnegan and Michael K. Johnson; nieces Sharilynn F. Horhota and Jill J. Schroepfer.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19, at St. Thomas Catholic Church, 919 E. Indiana Ave., Coeur d'Alene. Relatives and friends of the family are welcomed at the services.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kootenai Humane Society.