Crete Colby, 57

On Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016, at 11:13 a.m. Crete Colby sadly passed away at the age of 57. He passed peacefully at Kootenai Health surrounded by a great loving support system in his wife, Cathy Colby; mother Betty Colby; sister Cam Crites-Pickens; children Drew and Cristin; as well as close family and friends.

Crete was born March 31, 1958, in Glendive, Mont., to Robert Wallace Colby and Betty Ruth Colby. At the age of 8 he moved to Federal Way. He attended Federal Way High School graduating in 1977.

Crete proudly served six years with distinction in the U.S. Navy from 1977 until 1983 on his duty station the USS Hawkbill SSN666. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the Navy never left him.

In 1984, Crete married the love of his life, his soul mate and best friend, Cathy. They were happily married for more than 31 years. Crete deeply loved his wife with all of his heart. Together they raised two children, Drew Robert and Cristin Ann, sharing with them all the laughter and joy they could. There was never a point in Crete’s day when you wouldn’t hear him speaking of how proud he was of his beautiful wife and amazing children.

His passion lied in the automotive and sales industry. Crete had more than 40 years of experience in automotives. He started by working with cars at the age of 16 at B & B Auto. He spent the last 11 years as the parts director at Dave Smith Motors. His passion, dedication and drive in regard to his career was nothing short of spectacular. He had been noticed for his many accomplishments by national publications, other large parts companies and multiple peers in his field. He cared deeply for the people he worked with. He made everyone he came in contact with feel valued and important. His success in business can be directly attributed to his work ethic and his natural mechanical knowledge. His attention to detail was legendary. Not only was he a strong leader, but an irreplaceable friend to all he met.

Crete loved to travel as often as he could, he enjoyed scuba diving, riding horses and going on adventures with Cathy in the side by side. He loved his Hellcat; his dog, Hannah; his man cave; the Navy; country music and most of all making people laugh. Crete was working toward a degree in marketing and business.

Those of you that knew Crete, know how strong, kind, compassionate, loyal and generous he was. He was a great man with a huge heart that could not be measured. His joy in life was filled by the love he had for his family, friends and his career. His smile was bright and his personality was infectious. The ability he had to walk into a room and make every single person smile was something only he could do. He made so many people feel loved, valued and important.

He leaves his beloved wife, Cathy; his mother, Betty; his sister, Cam and her husband Michael and nephew Wyatt; his son, Drew and his girlfriend Lindsey; as well as granddaughter Ashlynn; his daughter, Cristin and her boyfriend, Clint. He also leaves several aunts, uncles, cousins and to many friends to count. He was predeceased by his father, Robert, in 1991.

He will be missed by many and forever loved by all.

Service is to be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, at Yates Funeral Home in Hayden, Idaho, with the burial to follow at 3 p.m. at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens. Crete will be honored with a military service. Refreshments will be served.

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