David Louis Hovland, 59

David Louis Hovland

February 19, 1962 ~~ December 21, 2021

David was born to Marvin and Mildred Hovland in Coeur d’Alene Idaho, joining three sisters, Peggy, Helen and Kathy. David loved the outdoors, especially fishing. He was happy to have his line in the water along with his parents or out in his little trolling boat. It didn’t take him long to outgrow his sisters and they lovingly referred to him as their big, little brother. David loved all of God’s creatures, especially dogs, and always had one, or many more, happily following at his feet. He spent much of his time outdoors and cross country in the motor home with his folks.

David always loved to serve others. In his younger years he would help neighbor ladies by delivering their papers with a smile and freshly picked flowers, usually from their own gardens. As he grew older, he began what would become a lifetime of service to others. He was a part of the Boy Scouts of America as a child and continued on for many years as an adult cooking in the kitchens at Camp Easton summer camp. David was an original member when the Christmas for All foundation began in Coeur d’Alene and volunteered regularly at the CDA Food Bank, Real Life Ministries, and assisted in baptisms. He was proud to deliver food to families in need and delighted at the smiles he saw from children as he handed out toys. Dave was presented with the Red Cross Volunteer of the Year award from Patty Duke Astin. He was a member of the CDA Eagles where he often called bingo. The ladies loved him and said he had a great smile. Dave spent many of his final years volunteering for Kootenai County Search and Rescue, cooking and serving coffee during search and rescue operations. He really loved helping and was excited to be involved in any place and anytime he was called. If you ever stopped by the Search and Rescue booth at the county fair then you probably met David. He always had a warm smile and greeting for all. One of his main duties at the fairgrounds was selling ice and finding lost children. He took pride in his work and never turned down a request for help. David was with the Kootenai County Emergency Auxiliary and FEMA. He received the Volunteer of the Year award in 2009 for his assistance in the investigation and search for Dylan and Shasta Groene.

Having no children of his own he delighted in spending time with his nieces and nephews. He is remembered fondly for his visit up to the cabin and making regular visits to Silverwood with all the kids.

David’s religious beliefs were simple, “There is only one God, why does it matter where I find him?” With this philosophy he sang in a Christmas choir at a local church, had bible studies with the Jehovah’s Witnesses, and was baptized at Real Life Ministries. He never had a problem finding God.

David is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Mildred Hovland, and his sister, Kathy Sprankle. He is survived by sisters, Peggy (Fred) White and Helen (Bruce) Swofford, and many friends and family members who will miss him dearly.

All are invited to David’s “Celebration of Life”, at 3:00 PM on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at Yates Funeral Home – Coeur d’Alene Chapel, 744 N. 4th St., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Thank you for sharing David's life. It was quite a journey!

Please visit David’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com