No headline

Andrew Joseph Lee Gatten, 34

Our fun-loving, empathetic, kind son and brother, Andrew Joseph “A.J.” Lee Gatten, has passed on from his earthly existence. We find comfort in knowing his final moments were spent in a river he loved. In his own words, “I am blessed to have a relationship with nature — to have had countless experiences to feel the peace that resides in the natural.”

He influenced many people with his infectious smile, unique, goofy and charismatic personality, and endless service to others. His presence will be greatly missed. We are heartbroken, but we are so grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the comforting Spirit, which brings peace to us at this time.

A.J. was born on Jan. 20, 1983, in his childhood home in Dalton Gardens. Seventh of nine children, his most striking feature was his auburn hair. His brown eyes lit up when he smiled, and his laugh was contagious.

He attended Dalton Gardens Elementary, Canfield Middle School and Coeur d’Alene High School, graduating in the class of 2001. His youth was full. Extracurricular activities included playing tuba, theater, choir, baseball, cross country, track and field, football, scouting, student government, tumbling and being a yell leader for CHS cheer. He loved adventuring and enjoyed rafting, camping, boating, fishing, hiking, cliff jumping and skiing. He often said he was, “Living the dream, instead of dreaming to live.” He had interest in cooking, gardening, crocheting, music and dancing. He was very introspective and enjoyed yoga, reading and meditation. He loved biking, and even completed the Coeur d’Alene Olympic Triathlon on a beach cruiser.

Art spoke to him, and he took great pleasure in crafting, drawing, painting and appreciating art. This artistic ability shined in his profession as a cosmetologist. He was passionate about this occupation, and was ambitious and successful. He loved sharing his talent with others.

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, A.J. believed “faith is a very strong principle of power.”

A.J. had “an unshakeable belief in the power of love.” He befriended young and old, neighbors and made everyone feel important. He was his Great-Grandma Jensen’s “little red-headed angel,” and the uncle who expressed love individually to each of his nieces and nephews. If you knew him, you loved him, especially his “free hugs.”

Being a free spirit, A.J. enjoyed traveling and experiencing different cultures and people, and lived all over the Northwest and even spent time in St. Thomas working and living. He most recently resided in Boise.

A.J. is survived by his parents, Steven and Jean Gatten of Dalton Gardens, Idaho; and his eight siblings and 35 nieces and nephews, Tom (Brooke) Gatten of West Jordan, Utah, Tim (Lizzy) Gatten of Hayden, Idaho, Brett (Angelique) Gatten of Rathdrum, Idaho, Mikin (Tyler) Morton of Dalton Gardens, Idaho, Dusty (Angie) Gatten of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Cassie (Andrew) Larson of Coeur d’Alene, Brynne (Jon) Erickson of West Salem, Ore., and Spike (Rachel) Gatten of Dalton Gardens.

Funeral services for A.J. will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 22, 2017, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Hayden Stake Center, 2293 W. Hanley Ave., Coeur d’Alene. All who knew and loved him are welcome to attend the services.

Our family would like to express appreciation to the many individuals and groups who fought alongside A.J. in his battle with addiction. Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to The Walker Center at (800) 227-4190, or, www.thewalkercenter.org donate link, or at www.youcaring.com/ajgattenmemorialfund.