Gary Wayne Godfrey, 71

Gary Wayne Godfrey, 71, passed away peacefully in his home in Post Falls, Idaho, on Jan. 18, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. Gary was born in Walsh, Colo., on Aug. 25, 1949; the third child of Clarence and Lois Godfrey. He had three siblings: Charles Godfrey, Larry Godfrey and Pamela Godfrey Reeves.

Gary married Debra Roberts on May 22, 1971. Gary and Deb were blessed with two children, Brande (Godfrey) Tremblay and Joshua Godfrey; and four grandchildren: Kayla Tremblay, Ashley Tremblay, Brayden Godfrey and Mason Godfrey.

Gary worked with Deb’s mother as a computer programmer in Denver; Deb’s mother thought a lot of Gary and wanted him to meet her daughter. She took a chance and invited Gary over for dinner so they could meet. Seven days later, Gary asked Deb to marry him, and four months later they were married. The pair worked hard to raise their family, enjoying camping in the Rocky Mountains and spending holidays with his family.

The family moved to Kent, Wash., in 1987, for Gary to continue working as a computer programmer. Gary also assisted Deb with her crafting business to help put the kids through college. Gary was an amazing wood artisan.

After the kids moved out, Gary and Deb enjoyed their empty nest with a trip to Hawaii for their 25th wedding anniversary, and they moved to Auburn, Wash., when they found their dream home. They loved working on their half acre, complete with fruit trees, a vineyard and a large garden.

Gary retired early to care for his ailing wife, who passed away in 2014. After Deb’s passing, the kids urged Gary to move to the east side to be closer to them; he moved to Post Falls, Idaho, in 2015.

Gary was always quiet and reserved but once in Post Falls, Gary realized if he wanted to enjoy the rest of his life, he would have to make things happen. He loved watching the grandkids play sports and their music performances.

He began attending the Community United Methodist Church in Coeur d’Alene, where he rekindled his relationship with God, joined a bowling league in Post Falls, and began volunteering at Hospice of North Idaho. Gary was passionate about his work at Hospice because of the wonderful Hospice care that was provided to his wife.

Through the friendships he developed, he learned to bake cookies for the church bake sale, attend Gonzaga basketball games, and improve his bowling game. Being the adventurous sort, Gary also tried paragliding, hot air ballooning, Zumba and yoga classes, skiing, rope courses, zipline courses, and he developed a fondness for hiking. He had an amazing 3-week adventure in Alaska, filled with dog sledding, riding horses, a helicopter ride to the top of a glacier, and reconnecting with family.

Gary did significant genealogy research on his family, including traveling to document gravesites and verify his research through Kansas and Colorado. The families for generations will cherish his research.

Gary will be forever missed by his family and by so many in Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls who were touched by his patience, his easy smile, his love for adventure and his caring nature.

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held at a later date.