Clifford Alan Banks, 78

Clifford Alan Banks, 78 years old, passed away July 29, 2024, after a brave and courageous battle with esophageal cancer and was the husband of Mary Lou Banks. They shared 45 years of marriage together, over 30 years on their beautiful property in Sandpoint, Idaho. 

He was born in Chicago, Ill., the son of Clifford W. and Nancy Banks and graduated from Savannah High School in Anaheim, Calif. He also earned an associate's degree in graphic art from North Idaho College.

He started his own construction company and built many homes in the Sandpoint area. When building became too difficult, he started Gold Creek Graphics, using his art skills to draft building plans, blueprints and many area logos. He loved it all.

Cliff proudly served in the Marine Corps, 1st Battalion 9th Marines and was a combat veteran of the Vietnam War. He was instrumental in bringing "The Moving Wall" to Sandpoint and establishing a Vietnam Veterans Chapter in Sandpoint, where he served as its first president.  

Cliff enjoyed fishing on his boat on Lake Pend Oreille, canoeing the Pack River, where he and his Dad built the Pack River General Store, hunting, camping and snowbirding to the Sea of Cortez. 

Lately, he has enjoyed working in his shop, greenhouse and veggie patch. He loved the Lake City art group and spent many hours at home creating beautiful pieces of art. He had a deep love of family and always kept connected with those near and far.

He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity and fun parties. We will miss his bad jokes and big hugs.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou, son Jerry Banks (Grais), grandchildren Malia and Bode, sisters Nancy Kerr, Pam Banks and Sandra Cartwright; "Special Kids" Jevin and Sarah Dulak; brother-in-law John Dezzutto; many special nephews and nieces, and his yellow lab Sadie May.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Jerry and sister-in-law Marlene. 

The funeral graveside services will be held on Saturday, Aug. 17, at 10 a.m., at Coeur d'Alene Memorial Gardens in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

Donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans. www.dav.org.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Cliff’s online memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com and sign his guestbook.