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William ‘Bill’ Turbin, 77

William James Turbin, 77, went home to heaven on July 7, 2018, surrounded by family. He was born on April 11, 1941, to Raymond and Mary Turbin, in Merrill, Wis. Bill was the second of four children: his older sister, Ellen and younger twin brothers, Richard and Dave. The family moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho in 1950.

Bill loved growing up in the “good old days” of Coeur d’Alene. He graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1960 and then continued his education at North Idaho College, where he served as the student body president. He married Carol Emehiser in 1963 and they started a family in Coeur d’Alene, where they had two of four children, Steve and Greg. While raising his family, Bill pursued his teaching degree at Eastern Washington State College and Whitworth College, at the same time working the graveyard shift at the old Potlatch Mill. After receiving his degree, Bill moved the family from Coeur d’Alene to Hayden, Idaho, where they settled in their home of 47 years. It was there they had their third son, Jeff, and daughter, Karen.

Hard work was a common theme throughout Bill’s life, as he rarely wasn’t working two jobs at once. He enjoyed his 30 years of teaching in the Coeur d’Alene School District and being active in the Idaho Education Association. Some of his greatest memories were his time serving at the district’s Trail Creek Camp. He cherished his relationships with the faculty and students at IHM, Sorenson Elementary, Lakes Junior High and Woodland Middle School, where he retired in 2001. Throughout his life he held more jobs “than you could shake a stick at,” starting with working at the Holland Motel owned by his parents. A short list of other jobs were the Coeur d’Alene Press, IGA, U.S. Forest Service, Allied Weldery, Kramer Kleaning, Red Oak Clothing Co., Ace Hardware, Gridley Men’s Store and Potlatch Sawmill, just to name a few.

Bill’s passions were his Savior, Jesus Christ, and his family. He was a devoted father, grandfather, coach, carpool driver and fan to all his kids, grandkids and many others. He rarely missed a game, activity, or performance of his children or grandkids. Bill was beyond proud of them all. He loved serving in his church as a greeter, usher and choir member. On his time off he often would visit the elder members of the community, usually with one of his kids in tow. Bill’s motivation was the love, grace and purpose he had found in Christ and hoped in some small way he could share that love with others.

Bill was preceded in death by parents, Raymond and Mary Turbin; half-sisters, Margie and Geraldine; half-brother, Daryl; and brothers, Richard and Dave Turbin. He is survived by his sister, Ellen Barbre of Spokane, Wash.; his sons, Steve (Lulu) Turbin of Hauser, Idaho, Greg (Tina) Turbin of Post Falls, Idaho and Jeff (Julie) Turbin of Hayden; daughter, Karen (Mark) Howe of Coeur d’Alene; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; cousins; nieces and nephews; and friends too numerous to list.

Memorial gifts in Bill’s memory may be made to Hospice of North Idaho, 2290 W. Prairie Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815. Special thanks to Bestland Senior Living, Bristol Heights Assisted Living, Hospice of North Idaho and our angels, Julie, Tina and Lulu.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 21, 2018, at Real Life Ministries, 1866 N. Cecil Road, Post Falls, ID 83854, with a dessert reception to follow. In honor of Bill, please wear your favorite tie!

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