David Atwood
David A. Atwood, a North Idaho native from Hayden, passed away with his loving family at home on Sept. 4, 2021.
Dave was born May 25, 1941, to Wilbur and Rose Arlene Atwood. He joined an older brother, Donald, and sister Jeanne. He attended Central grade school and graduated from Coeur d'Alene High in 1959.
In 1962 he married his high school sweetheart Donna Jessick. Dave attended North Idaho & Spokane Community College and went on to spend four years in the carpenters’ apprenticeship program. He joined Local 1691 Carpenters Union and later served as president and went on to represent his local at several National Conventions.
He began his own business (J.D. Incorporated) where he built a great reputation for quality custom homes, remodels, and commercial construction.
In the 1970s he was very active in the CDA Jaycees and Idaho State Jaycees. In 1977 Dave was awarded the Jaycees' International (JCI) Senator award.
In 1999 Dave was elected commissioner for Lakes Highway District, serving for several years representing Kootenai County residents. In 2000 he was the recipient of the L.A.H.D. 2000 Commissioner of the year award.
Dave loved being outdoors and that took him and his family on many great excursions. If there was a weekend open, he had them hiking for huckleberries, snowmobiling, rafting local rivers, taking trips in the RV to Clam on the West Coast, or the many trips to Alaska for salmon fishing.
His biggest passion was hunting with his son, son in law and friends. Rumor has it that 41 elk fed his family for many years.
Dave spent 52 years in the home he built in 1969 on the Rimrock in Hayden. There he and Donna spent most of their family life, enjoying their acreage. He relished his orchard of many fruit trees, English walnuts, grapes, and honeybee hives.
He is survived by his wife Donna, daughter Deborah Buck (Bruce), son David Michael (Jane), and granddaughter Rayla, all of Hayden. Also survived by his sister Jeanne (Tony) Venturino of Hayden Lake and several nieces and nephews locally and in California
Preceding David in death was father, Wilbur, in 1978; stepfather Larry Swanson in 1999; mother Arlene Swanson in 2007 and brother Donald in 2013.
Memorial service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, at English Funeral Chapel, 1133 N. Fourth St., Coeur d'Alene, Idaho 83814.
In lieu of flowers you may donate to: New Beginnings of North Idaho, 570 S. Clearwater Loop Unit A, Post Falls, Idaho 83854; Gary Sinise Foundation, P.O. Box 368, Woodland Hills, Calif. 91365 or Tunnels 2 Towers, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, N.Y. 10306
