Gary Calvin Blakley, 71

Gary Calvin Blakley, passed away suddenly on December 30, 2013 in Coeur d'Alene. He was born on July 23, 1942 in Steubenville, Ohio to Jacquelyne and Calvin Blakley.

A wonderful, kind, generous, and gentle man, Gary cherished his relationships with his brothers Roger and Mark, and his sisters, Pam and Marceline - they all meant the world to him. He loved his family and friends, and always strived to do the right thing and make everyone happy. He was always happy even in the face of adversity. He had a comedic side and fun loving nature. He loved to laugh.

As an avid reader he was well versed in a wide variety of subjects. Gary loved to talk, tell jokes, and discuss world events. He enjoyed discussing and debating politics, and was very knowledgeable in politics, history, and finance. Gary also loved learning about healthful living, fitness, and nutrition. He loved to cook and was respected as an accomplished chef.

Another cherished hobby was doing special projects around the house. He loved painting, and was very talented at remodeling his home. He was "a doer." He took pride in his workmanship and was always excited to complete a project. As soon as he completed one project, he started another.

Whenever visitors came to town, he was so proud to show people around Coeur d'Alene. He loved where he lived.

Gary's professional career was in banking. He retired from Washington Trust Bank in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, in 2005 as Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer. Not content to sit on the sidelines, Gary came out of retirement to work as a credit analyst for Global Credit Union in Spokane, Washington. Over the years, Gary held positions with U.S. Bank/West One Bank in Moscow, Idaho, as Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer; with First Interstate Bank of Washington in Spokane, Washington, as Assistant Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer; and as Branch Manager for First National Bank of North Idaho in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Gary attended college in southern California. He earned his AA Degree at El Camino College, also attended Long Beach State College, as well as Cal State Fullerton for advanced courses in Finance and Economics. A lifelong learner, Gary continued his education throughout his long and successful career.

He was very proud of his military school education as a youngster. Gary talked frequently about those school experiences and shared the events and lessons learned there that he said inspired him throughout his entire life.

Gary was also blessed later in life with a new family and leaves behind his loving wife Sylvia, and daughter Lauren, with whom he enjoyed a close and very special relationship. He is also survived by his sons Chase and Garrett (Carrie) Blakley; and daughters Lauren Blakley and Kelly Blakley. He had a very close relationship with his mother-in-law, Rebecca. He always wanted her included in all family gatherings and asked her to come over often. He loved to discuss current events with her. He truly loved watching his son, Chase, play football, and was excited and proud to see him begin his upcoming college football career. Gary enjoyed visiting and fishing with Garrett while visiting him in Alaska.

Gary also leaves behind his dear sisters Pam Ragsdale and Marceline (Mark) Lescault, and brothers Roger Blakley and Mark (Victoria) Blakley. He is also survived by his Uncle Peck Blakley; cousins Joe Blakley, John Blakley, Rita Blye, Frankie Rogers, Roger Duff, Tom Duff, and Jane Beuyukian; nieces Tara, Leslie, Lauren, and Stephanie; and nephews John and Christopher (Kit). He also leaves two granddaughters, Halle and Jadin.

Gary was a wonderful man in every way. He will be truly missed.

Services will be held Saturday, January 11, at 2 p.m., in the English Funeral Chapel, 1133 N. 4th St., Coeur d'Alene. Please visit Gary's online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com