Lloyd Clement Seibert, 93

Lloyd was born Feb. 11, 1930, to Zula Elizabeth (Shoffner) and Boyd N. Seibert in Ft. Collins, Colo. Eight years later, his only sibling, Janet Elizabeth Seibert Braden (Loveland, Colo.), joined the family. Lloyd grew up with abundant opportunities to have adventures and create stories, and for the rest of his life, he shared those stories frequently with whoever seemed interested. 

Lloyd routinely said that he was part of the greatest generation. He watched as his father volunteered for the Seabees in World War II and, though just 13, he stepped into “man of the house” role. Lloyd loved his parents and spent many hours enjoying adventures with them. Together, he and his father built both their family home in Laramie, Wyo., and then a mountain cabin that generated family connections and wonderful memories that endure today. As a young man, Lloyd was an avid outdoorsman — hunting, hunting, fishing, skiing and hiking. He even participated in a rocky mountain rescue group. Throughout his life, he loved music; perhaps the only regret he ever expressed was never learning to play the piano.

After serving in the Air Force during the Korean War, Lloyd graduated from college with a degree in mechanical engineering. In an era where rocket ships and space travel were rapidly developing, Lloyd’s first professional jobs were in this industry. 

In 1961, while bowling in a league in Denver, Colo., he met Lois Fern Kauffman. It is told that on their first date, he took her to a foothill restaurant in his beloved red Porsche. Having not screamed or asked him to slow down, she passed his "test" and got a second date. They were soon married and, with the arrival of their first daughter, the Porsche was replaced with a more practical vehicle. It nevertheless remained one of his favorite possessions and was the topic of many stories. In 1967, Lloyd and Fern moved with their three daughters to Pocatello, Idaho, where he tried his hand at entrepreneurship, inventing an all-terrain vehicle just ahead of popular interest. Two years later, the family returned to the outskirts of Denver and lived on a small farm for several years before making the final move to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. 

Here, Lloyd began regularly attending First Presbyterian Church and found deep personal meaning in Christianity. After retiring from working as a mechanical engineer, his wonderful memories of family and friend gatherings at the Wyoming cabin inspired him and Fern to purchase land north of Sandpoint that, with family help, was developed into a much-loved gathering place. Lloyd felt blessed to have this nature retreat in his life and enjoyed going there until his final days.

Throughout his life, Lloyd was a skilled craftsman and handyman. He made one-of-a-kind treasure chests for each of his grandchildren, and freely assisted family members, friends and neighbors with home repairs, and building projects, even restoring a player piano. Several of his woodworking projects are features at First Presbyterian Church in Coeur d’Alene including a podium, crosses and restoration of the original doors to the church. 

If one talked to Lloyd very often over the last 20 years, they learned that the most important places in his life were the two cabins. He is survived by Fern, who resides at Orchard Ridge in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, his three daughters (Leanne Guyll, Katrina Mikiah and Tanya Hill), nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. One of his final pieces of advice was to “always have a pet under your roof.”

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on Saturday, March 16, at 1 p.m.