Anthony "Tony" Caliger III, 71

Heaven asked for one of the purest of souls to return home. This request was granted on May 15, 2015 when our one and only Tony Caliger III passed away of a sudden heart attack in his home on peaceful Lake Coeur d'Alene.

Our precious Papa, Big T, Poppy, husband, father, and friend.

Tony blessed this world on February 11, 1944 to the proud parents of Phyllis and Tony Caliger II in San Diego, California, where he grew up and graduated from Chula Vista High in 1960. His 65 year career as a respected truck driver began at age 16 working for FedMart, Kissinger Trucking, and finally Hard Rock Material up until his passing.

He became the faithful loving husband to Suzanne Caliger on March 10, 1979. Their unique marriage was unlike any other. The strong and passionate bond built between them will no doubt continue to thrive despite this physical separation. Tony and Suzanne created a life in San Diego for 26 amazing years before moving to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho in 2005. There, they happily spent their final ten years together on the lake.

Tony enjoyed fishing the Colorado River, Lake Coeur d'Alene, or any body of water where there might be fish! Hunting, kayaking, and boating with his loved ones are some of his favorite things to do. Tony's sense of humor can make anyone laugh so hard their stomach ached. Even though he never liked to admit it, he was a jokester! His huge smile could lighten any darkness, and his voice calm any situation. "I can't" was not a phrase he took lightly, he'd make you prove "you can." Tony was such an extraordinary, optimistic, reliable, helping man. His patience, guidance, and warm open heart will be cherished and forever remembered.

The survivors include spouse Suzanne Caliger, son Anthony Caliger IV and his wife Kimberly Caliger, daughter Jennifer Caliger Murcia and her wife Caroline Murcia, daughter Julie Little Cardoso and her husband Robert Cardoso, daughter Nikki Lee Gelling and her husband Bill Gelling, sister Arlene Caliger, granddaughter Katy Little, grandson Johnny Cardoso, grandson Billy Richardson, twin granddaughters Danielle Caliger and Alexis Caliger, granddaughter Promise Gelling, grandson Anthony Caliger V, great-granddaughters Keyenna McGee, Tayvah Stiff, Amiya Little, best friend and Godfather of his children Vincent Jacket, sister in-law Carole Peterson and her husband Reno Peterson, dear friends Bill Parga, Judie and Bob Ailworth, and numerous other great friends and family.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents, stepfather Raleigh Neff, brother Eddy Neff, and granddaughter Samantha Muster.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2015 from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at Yates Funeral Home - Coeur d' Alene Chapel, 744 N. 4th St., Coeur d' Alene, ID 83814 for anyone who would like to pay their respects. Please visit Tony's online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.

Contributions may be sent to The Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org.

Quote: "Time will ease your pain, life's about changing, nothing ever stays the same. How can I help you to say goodbye, it's OK to hurt, and it's OK to cry. Come let me hold you and I will try. How can I help you to say goodbye." - Patty Loveless