Goodlander remembered for dedicated public service

By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

COEUR d'ALENE — Deanna Goodlander was steadfast in her commitment to make Coeur d'Alene an even better place.

The city council member from 1997 to 2013 died on Tuesday morning at Hospice of North Idaho after an extended illness.

"Deanna really loved this community and served it well," Mayor Steve Widmyer said. "She always battled for the best interest of Coeur d'Alene. She will be missed."

Goodlander was named Citizen of the Year by the Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce in 1992.

Goodlander served several years on the board of ignite cda, Coeur d'Alene's urban renewal agency. She was also a president and board member of the Lake City Center that serves seniors and the city council's liaison and citizen member of the Coeur d'Alene Arts Commission.

"She was a real champion of my artwork," said Terry Lee, a brother of Goodlander's. "She was important to me my whole life and was more like a mother to me. Deanna loved working with the city and helping develop Coeur d'Alene."

Goodlander was a supporter of the creation of McEuen Park in downtown Coeur d'Alene.

During Goodlander's last urban renewal meeting when her term expired in January, Widmyer said Goodlander was adamant about keeping the ignite-owned lot at the base of Tubbs Hill in the hands of the city.

"She was pleased to know those lots will become the new home of the North Idaho Museum," Widmyer said.

Lee said Goodlander suffered a stroke about a year ago and recently cracked her pelvis due to a fall.

Lee and Goodlander's father, Orrin E. Lee, was the president of North Idaho Junior College (now North Idaho College) when it purchased the institution's site along Lake Coeur d'Alene.

Goodlander and brothers Terry and Richard owned Lee's Outdoor Outfitters. Goodlander also owned Goodie's convenience store at Appleway and Ramsey that is now a Conoco. She was also part-owner of the former Taco Time on Fourth Street.

Services for Goodlander will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 477 E. Honeysuckle Ave., Hayden. Viewing, which is open to the public, is from 12:30 to 1:50 p.m.

A celebration will follow the service at 4 p.m. at the Lake City Center.