Stephen J. Caires, 72

Stephen J. Caires, 72, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, died Wednesday, April 27, 2016, at his home. He was born Aug. 25, 1943, to Anthony and Cecilia (Botelho) Caires in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he lived until moving to the mainland at the age of 12, later graduating from Cupertino High School in California in 1961. He then attended San José State University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in industrial arts.

While working at Hewlett-Packard, he met Leona “Lee” Gray who he later married in 1967 in Santa Clara, Calif. Following marriage, he taught metal and industrial arts at Monta Vista High School in Cupertino, Calif., while coaching softball, track and field, and football.

In 1979, the family made a tough decision to leave relatives and move to North Idaho, teaching industrial arts at Coeur d’Alene High School and Lakes Middle School. As a football coach for the Vikings, his boisterous voice and demand for quality play helped guide the team to state championships in 1982 and 1985. He remained close to his players throughout his life.

After earning his master’s degree in educational administration, he became principal of St. Charles Catholic School in Spokane, Wash., in 1990 where he served until 1993. Later that year, he took a position as assistant principal at Frontier Junior High School in Moses Lake, Wash., where Lee joined the faculty until her death in 1996. Afterward, he was named principal of Garfield-Palouse High School for two years before returning to Lakes Middle School as assistant principal until his retirement in 2008.

In our community, Steve was recognized for his continued involvement with Children’s Village as a member of its board of directors. He also was president of the Coeur d’Alene Education Association and a parishioner of St. Pius X Catholic Church for 37 years, serving on parish council and other subcommittees/groups.

Always rooting for his beloved San Francisco 49ers, he was an avid football fan and continued coaching in various capacities. He also enjoyed fishing, traveling and maintaining his hand-built log cabin where the family lived for more than 30 years.

Survivors include brother Jerry (Lucille) Caires of Sunnyvale, Calif.; sons Matthew (Brandyn) Caires of Bozeman, Mont., and Damian (Jillian and grandson Cortez) Caires of Dalton Gardens, Idaho; daughters Debora Caires (Michael and grandchildren Maricela and Knowlton) Nelson of Coeur d’Alene and Victoria (Ray) Kimball of Post Falls, Idaho. He is also survived by his loving companion, Ginny Carper of Coeur d’Alene. He was preceded in death by brothers, Tim in 1985 and Marvin in 2000.

The visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday, May 6, 2016, at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene Chapel, with a vigil service following at 7 p.m. The funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 7, 2016, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, with Fathers Roger LaChance and Mariusz Majewski officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery and the reception will be held at the church. The family requests that written memories be brought to the ceremonies and reception. Please visit Steve’s memorial and sign his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.