Charles Milton Dodson, 67

Charlie passed on May 31, 2016, after a courageous battle with Melanoma.

Charlie was born March 11, 1949, to Charles Severance Dodson and Jeanette May Elmendorf in Boise, Idaho, where he lived until the age of 5. The family moved north to McCall for a short time and then on to Coeur d’Alene where he attended school and graduated with Coeur d’Alene High School, Class of 1967.

He met and married Diana Fickle on April 13, 1968. They continued to live in the area while he attended North Idaho Junior College (NIC) and Eastern Washington State University (EWU). He graduated from Gonzaga Law School in 1977 and practiced law in North Idaho for 38 years until he retired on Dec. 31, 2015. He loved his practice, his clients and especially his school districts. He served our community in many ways and his greatest enjoyment professionally was the passion and knowledge he provided to the school districts. His expertise in education law gained him respect throughout the state. He touched many lives over the years, always a smile and ready conversation. He was also proud to tell anyone who wanted to hear that he was a native Idahoan.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents; along with stepmother Martha Dodson and stepfather Bill Leigh; and younger brother John. He is survived by his wife, Diana, and their two sons, Chad and wife Jennifer, and Blaine and wife Kristi; five grandchildren, Tyber, Blake, Makena, Bryden and Hayden — all proud Dodsons. And Ilkka Lind, who became our son in 1985 when he joined our family as a foreign exchange student from Finland. He and his family continue to be a special part of our family.

He is also survived by his sisters, Cheryl (Al) Halverson and Peggy (Rolly) Meinholtz; and brothers Jim (Dena) Dodson and David Dodson.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, June 6, 2016, at Lake City Community Church, 6000 N. Ramsey Road, Coeur d’Alene.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like any memorial or contribution in Charlie’s name be made to either Hospice House of North Idaho, 2290 W. Prairie Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815 (www.hospiceofnorthidaho.org.) or Melanoma Research Foundation (www.melanoma.org).

And finally, a very special thank you from the family to Dr. Naseer Ahmad who guided us through this journey not only as a physician, but personal friend and respected adviser.

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