John L. Wood II, 66

John passed away on Feb. 16, 2016, in Spirit Lake, Idaho. John was born in San Antonio, Texas, on Jan. 24, 1950.

John grew up in Spokane graduating from Lewis and Clark High School in 1967, where he played tennis. John attended Washington State University and graduated from Eastern Washington State College in Cheney, Wash., in 1972. John retired from Ford Motor Credit after 25 years of dedicated service. For the last 16 years, John worked for Numerica Credit Union in the Dealer Center as a Business Development Representative. John was a member of St. John’s Cathedral.

Those who know John would agree that certain terms might best describe his essence, including caring, sincere, honorable, supportive and, most of all, gentle and kind. He was the quiet one, never boastful of himself (only of others). What he said, he meant, his opinions were considered and never given in haste. He was as authentic as one could be. He represented the good side of humanity. His character reflected what we all might like to see in ourselves. John lived fully and well, he moved through life at his own pace, he never envied others, his encouragement was always there. He was fair minded when viewing people, he judged no one, and was always willing to give anyone the benefit of the doubt until proven wrong. His silent, steady strength was most apparent and his love of good humor always present.

He was loved much, by those of us who knew him and he will be missed sorely. But for those who truly knew John, though we can no longer ring him up, or share a drink, or go fishing together on his beloved Spirit Lake, he will always be with us. A passing thought might bring us a memory of a time spent with him, and a knowing smile will then cross our face and we who knew him, will again realize that we were indeed blessed to have had John in our lives. And maybe, just maybe, some of his character might have rubbed off on us, and thus we are richer and perhaps kinder ourselves, because we were lucky enough to have known him.

John is survived by his wife, Dianna; his daughter, Carrie Igl (Ryan); stepsons Benjamin Greene and Josiah Greene; grandchildren Zack, Ben and Emma (Emmie Lou-Lou); brothers Van R. Wood (Beth) and Jerry M. Wood (Imi); his beloved nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. In the 41 years that John worked in the Auto Financing industry he built long-term friendships with hundreds of men and women who he referred to as “the car guys” and they will never forget John for his honesty, integrity and great sense of humor.

A memorial service honoring John’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016, at Lake City Community Church, 6000 N. Ramsey Road, Coeur d’Alene. A reception will follow the service.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit John’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.