Brandon Sperber, 39

Brandon Chris Sperber, age 39, of Driggs, Idaho, died January 16, 2014.

Brandon was born December 19, 1974, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, to Steve and Mary (White) Sperber. Brandon graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1993. He attended Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. He taught school in Turlock, California, for four years, then moved to Driggs, Idaho, where he has taught since. Brandon was a born teacher and always went the extra mile with his students. Whether it was a tease to brighten a day, a fun nickname, or playing guitar and singing with a student band for the annual talent show, Brandon was ready and willing to be there for the kids. He was well loved by his fellow teachers and the students he taught.

Brandon married Tamara Ferguson on May 18, 1996, and from the time he first became a father, his daughters Sophia (13) and Amelia (10) have been his pride and joy and the loves of his life. He was a hands-on dad from day one.

Brandon was at home in the mountains fly fishing, snowboarding, hiking and skiing with his family. He was great at telling jokes and disguising his voice when he called his brothers and sister.

Brandon is survived by his wife, Tamara; his two daughters, Sophia and Amelia; his parents, Steve and Mary Sperber of Coeur d’Alene, ID; his brothers, Ed and wife Elizabeth Lynn of Missoula, MT, and Tim and Michelle Sperber of Genesse, ID; his sister, Lisa and husband Joseph Love of Omak, WA; nieces, Amanda, Sammy Jo, Hannah, Sybil, Olivia, Ciera, Sadie, and Madison; nephews, Alex, Dakota, Dillon, Jared and Gage; and a great niece, Kenadee. Brandon was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ed and Mae Healey, and Chris and Dorothy Sperber; and uncles, Jess White and Malcom Sperber.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, January 23, 2014, at the Yates Funeral Home, Hayden Chapel, with a reception following at the Yates Hayden Gathering Center. Please visit Brandon’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com