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Richard ‘Rick’ Joseph Noordam, 71

Rick Noordam, of Post Falls, Idaho, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, after battling cancer for seven years; his heart finally could take no more.

Rick was born March 15, 1947, in Wallace, Idaho; the second child of six born to John and Margaret Noordam. Rick attended school in Mullan, Idaho, received his associates degree from North Idaho College in 1969 and also attended Purdue University, receiving multiple certificates. Rick proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1964 through 1966, primarily on the Korean peninsula.

Rick married Nancy Lucille Johnson on May 29, 1967. They enjoyed 52 wonderful years of marriage. They made their first home together in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where both their sons, Rich and Dennis, were born. Rick and Nancy later moved to Lewiston, Idaho, where they opened their home to their four adopted daughters, Elisa, Jean, Chanda and Sooki.

While in Lewiston, Rick started working as an insurance adjuster and moved on to his long career with Blue Cross of Idaho, which later took him to Selah, Wash. From there the family moved to several places and finally settled back to Coeur d’Alene after the birth of his first grandchild. With this move, Rick embarked upon his last career in real estate. He enjoyed working with people to help them find a good home.

Rick Noordam was a man of many interests and in his spare time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, rafting, hiking, Jeeping in the mountains around his hometown, piloting a plane, golfing, hustling up a game of pool, playing tennis, jet boating, beekeeping, woodworking, playing card games with his grandkids, gardening with his wife, working on his latest car project and spending time with his large extended family.

Rick enjoyed giving back to his community and was a member of many organizations throughout his life. He was a longstanding member of Rotary (30 plus years), Knights of Columbus and the NRA. Most recently he was a member of the City of Post Falls Parks and Recreation board. He always enjoyed his Friday lunch group of Post Falls Professional Men. Rick was an active member in his church; he was raised Roman Catholic and practiced in the Catholic church his whole life.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; his sister, Charlene Allen and her husband, Mike; his sister, Beverly Noordam; his brother, John Noordam and his wife, Jane; his brother, Rob; his brother, Jerry Noordam and his wife, Linda; his son, Richard Noordam and his wife, Michelle; his son, Dennis Noordam; his daughter, Elisa Noordam; his daughter, Jean Noordam; his daughter, Chanda Belton; his daughter, Sooki Noordam; his grandchildren, Libby and John Noordam, Ryker and Karyssa Belton and Tristen Gustafson; and his many nieces and nephews.

Rick’s Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on this upcoming Monday, Feb. 18, 2019, at St. George’s Catholic Church in Post Falls. Memorials may be made in Rick’s name to the Post Falls Food Bank or the donor’s charity of choice.